>
> > > The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of
first
> > > name) and last name put on them, if someone takes your check book they
> > > will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your
> > > first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks. Put your
> > work
> > > phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO
Box
> > > use that instead of your home address, if you do not have a PO Box use
> > > your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks you can
add
> > > it if it is necessary but have it printed and anyone can get it.
> > > Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both
sides
> > of
> > > each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your
wallet
> > > and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.
Keep
> > > the photocopy in a safe place. A corporate attorney sent this out to
the
> > > employees in his company. I pass it along, for your information.
> > >
> > > We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed in
stealing a
> > > name, address, Social Security, credit cards, etc.
> > >
> > > Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my
wallet
> > > was stolen last month.
> > > Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone
> > > package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to
> > buy
> > > a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my
driving
> > > record information online, and more.
> > >
> > > But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this
> > > happens to you or someone you know:
> > > We have been told we should cancel your credit cards immediately. But
the
> > > key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you
> > > know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.
> > >
> > > File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was
stolen,
> > > this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step
> > > toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
> > >
> > > But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never ever thought to do
> > > this)
> > >
> > > Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to
> > > place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had
never
> > > heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an
> > > application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The
alert
> > > means any company that checks your credit knows your information was
> > > stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
> > >
> > > By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the
theft,
> > > all the damage had been done.
> > >
> > > There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves'
> > > purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since
> > > then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my
wallet
> > > away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped
them
> > in
> > > their tracks.
> > >
> > > The numbers are:
> > > Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
> > >
> > > Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
> > >
> > > Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
> > >
> > > Social Security Administration (fraud line):
> > > 1-800-269-0271
> > >
> > > We pass along jokes; we pass along just about everything. Do think
about
> > > passing this information along. It could really help someone you care
> > > about.
>