1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of
first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your
checkbook,  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.

2. Do  not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID
 REQUIRED".

3 When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card  accounts, DO
NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line  Instead, just put
the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the  rest of the number,
and anyone who might be handling your check as it  passes through all the check
processing channels won't have access to  it.

4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home  phone.
If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If  you do not
have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your SS#  printed on your
checks.  You can add it if it is necessary.- but NOT recommend!

5. 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. I also carry a photocopy of my passport
when travel  either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about
fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security
number,  credit cards. Here's some critical information to limit the damage in
case this happens to you or someone  you know:

     A. We have been  told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. 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.

     B. File a police report  immediately in the jurisdiction where your
    credit cards, etc., were  stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and
    this is a  first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But  here's what is
    perhaps most important of all:

     C. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations  immediately to place a
    fraud alert on your name and Social Security  number.  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. Now, here are the numbers you always
    need to contact about  your wallet, etc., has been stolen:

       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

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along  just about
everything. But if you are willing to pass this  information along, it could
really help someone you care  about.

Gerard Ladalardo, CMPS
www.caloanpros.com