CONSIDER TAKING THESE STEPS TO HELP PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT

1. The next time you order checks from your bank, instead of placing your first name, only place your initials in front of your last name. If your checkbook is lost or stolen, a fraudulent user will not know if you sign your checks with your initials or your first name, but your bank will definitely know how you sign your checks.

2. Consider signing the back of your credit cards and adding "PHOTO ID REQUIRED."

3. When you write checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "Memo" line. Just put the last four numbers.  The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone handling your check won't have access to it.

4. Consider putting 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, consider using your work address. And of course never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, and be sure to do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. If your wallet is lost or stolen, 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 at your home or safety deposit box.

WHAT TO DO IF OUR CHECKBOOK, WALLET, OR PURSE IS LOST OR STOLEN:

1. Most people agree we should consider canceling our credit cards immediately. If you follow step 5 above, you will have the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call.  Call these numbers immediately and explain what has happened. Even if you opt to not cancel, there will be a record of your call. Consider asking for a confimation number regarding your call.

2. If you are pretty certain these items have been stolen, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where the event took place.  This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and can definitely help if there is an investigation. 

3. MOST IMPORTANT STEP: Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately, and place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert notifies any company that checks your credit that your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. 


IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY
 
1.)  Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration  (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271