Avoiding Identity Theft
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday.
The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and your last name printed on your checks. If someone steals your checkbook they will not know if you sign your checks with your initials or your first name (and they won't know your first name),but your bank or credit union will know.
When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts and monthly statements, do not put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just insert the last four digits of your account number.
The credit card company knows your entire account number, but the identity thief will be unable to access your credit card accounts with the last four digits only.
Put your work telephone number 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 (but have your bank or credit union send your monthly statements to your home address)
Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks. (doh!!)
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.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those numbers where you can find them.
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here's what is perhaps most important:
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.
The national credit-reporting agencies' numbers are:
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
Final piece of advice:
Buy a confetti-type paper shredder and before you throw any piece of mail or important document in the trash, first shred all documents. If in doubt, shred. It's not that uncommon to see homeless-type individuals rummaging through your neighbors' trash cans on garbage day; they might be looking for aluminum cans to recycle, but they also might be looking for your credit card, cell, or other monthly statements which could have your account and/or social security numbers on them.
The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and your last name printed on your checks. If someone steals your checkbook they will not know if you sign your checks with your initials or your first name (and they won't know your first name),but your bank or credit union will know.
When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts and monthly statements, do not put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just insert the last four digits of your account number.
The credit card company knows your entire account number, but the identity thief will be unable to access your credit card accounts with the last four digits only.
Put your work telephone number 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 (but have your bank or credit union send your monthly statements to your home address)
Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks. (doh!!)
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.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those numbers where you can find them.
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here's what is perhaps most important:
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.
The national credit-reporting agencies' numbers are:
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
Final piece of advice:
Buy a confetti-type paper shredder and before you throw any piece of mail or important document in the trash, first shred all documents. If in doubt, shred. It's not that uncommon to see homeless-type individuals rummaging through your neighbors' trash cans on garbage day; they might be looking for aluminum cans to recycle, but they also might be looking for your credit card, cell, or other monthly statements which could have your account and/or social security numbers on them.