Credit
Protection Advice
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The
next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name)
and last name put on them. If someone takes your check book 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.
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Put
your work phone 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. Never have your Social Security number
printed on your checks -- you can add it if it is necessary. But if you
have it printed, anyone can get it.
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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.
Here's
some critical information to limit the damage in case your wallet is lost
or stolen:
-
We have been told we should cancel your 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
easily. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction if your wallet
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.
After the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all
the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which will
affect your credit.
The numbers
are:
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Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
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Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
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Also contact the Social Security Administration (fraud
line): 1-800-269-0271