- When ordering checks, show only your initials (instead of first name) and last name. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
- Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ‘PHOTO ID REQUIRED.’
- When writing checks to pay 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 will not have access to it.
- 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# on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. However, if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
- Make a copy of all the documents in your wallet. 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. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling abroad.
- When you check out of a hotel that uses cards for keys (and they all seem to do that now), do not turn the “keys” in. Take them with you and destroy them. Those little cards have on them all of the information you gave the hotel, including address and credit card numbers and expiration dates. Someone with a card reader, or an employee of the hotel, can access all that information with no problem whatsoever.
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| Here is some additional information to limit your losses in case someone obtains your credit cards or checks: |
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- We have been told that we should cancel our credit card 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.
- File a police report 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).
- Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place fraud alerts 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.
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| Here are the numbers of the major credit reporting companies: |
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- 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
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