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Tips To Help Avoid Identity Theft
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. 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 of your credit card. 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.
3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a Post Office Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your Social Security Number printed on your checks. You can add it if necessary. But if you have it printed on your checks, anyone can get it.
4. Copy the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine and copy 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. If you travel abroad, carry a photocopy of your passport.
Here's how you can limit the damage in the event your wallet or purse has been lost or stolen:
- 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 where you can find them.
- File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction in which you walletot purse was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation.
- 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.
- 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
