 |
 |
|
Identity Fraud Steals Personal Security Most people don't think about the inconvenience a lost or stolen wallet can have on their life until it happens. There are numerous horror stories about fraud committed using stolen credit cards or a person's name and home address. Thieves purchasing new computers in your name, ordering monthly cell phone packages, setting up a new identity using your credit history… the list goes on forever. Here's some good advice to stop thieves in their tracks should you ever need it. 1. Order checks with only your initials (instead of first name) and last name on them. If someone takes your checkbook they won't know if you sign your checks with your initials or your full name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks. 2. If you have a P.O. Box use that instead of your home address. 3. Never carry your social security card or have the number printed on your checks. 4. Photo copy the contents of your wallet - do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. so you will know what you were carrying. You'll also have a record of all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call to cancel cards. 5. If your wallet is stolen, notify your bank and the credit card companies immediately. 6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your wallet was stolen. This proves to the credit providers you were diligent and is the first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). Here's one of the most important steps to take to ensure your credit history and personal identity remains secure. Call the three
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.
|
