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
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