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Rupertbear
Member
09-19-2003
| Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 11:16 am
This has so many good tips, I'm passing them along. 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. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED". 3. 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. 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. 4. 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# printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it. 5. 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. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know: 1. 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. 2. File a police report immediately 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). But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.) 3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to report your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen: 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
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Mamapors
Member
07-29-2004
| Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 11:36 am
Thanks Rupert!!! I have never signed the back of credit cards and I use my work phone on my checks, but have never thought about some of the others. You can never be too careful.
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Karen
Member
09-07-2004
| Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 12:05 pm
re: The "Photo ID Required" on the back of your credit card... When I worked in retail a few years back, I had a woman pass me a credit card with the same request on the back -- her card was signed, though. Having never seen this before, and thinking it was a brilliant idea, I obliged and asked to see her photo ID. Well, did she ever get upset with me! She protested that it was, in fact, her card, she'd only put it there for security, etc... she'd show me her signature, blah blah. Thinking this was exactly the situation the authorized card holder was trying to avoid, I refused to ring the card through for her. She stormed away, leaving her purchases on the counter. She returned about ten minutes later, ID in hand, irate that I had refused to serve her and demanding to speak to the manager. My boss sided with me as the woman retold the tale, but, still... Make sure if you are going to ask cashiers to see Photo ID, you bring your ID when you use your card!!
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 6:19 pm
I've been to a few seminars given in our town regarding identity fraud. (By the local police) You have several great points! Can I add some? 1. Only carry those credit cards you need with you. Put the rest away. Why carry everything? It makes it easier if you have to cancel. 2. Never carry your Social Security card with you, unless you will specifically need it. When was the last time anyone asked to see it? Put your Social Security card in a safe place. 3. A small lock box does not protect your items. A thief can pick it up and take it. 4. Do not put checks or cash in your mailbox to be mailed. Putting up the little red flag also tells thieves you have something in that box! 5. Do not carry your checkbook, but take only those checks you'll need. (Easier to keep track of them) 6. Do not leave mail or anything valuable out when there are maids or workers in your home. (Including pest control ...) http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17-it.htm http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/0/D859138D3EB2051D85256DBA007188A5?OpenDocument
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Cndeariso
Member
06-28-2004
| Monday, February 06, 2006 - 9:12 am
great thread! buy a shredder and shred everything with your identifying information on it before putting it in your trash (credit card offers, old checks, etc.). you can get one at walmart for less than $30. a cross-shredder is best as it cuts the paper into confetti - harder to tape back together. if you do have someone come into your home to do work while you are unable to be there (pest control, maid, etc.) make sure the company is bonded for theft by that employee.
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Costacat
Member
07-15-2000
| Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 7:15 am
On the "ID required" thing... There are still some places in the US where they may require your original signature on the credit card. This happened to me outside of Boston... the woman would NOT put my charge through because there wasn't a signature on the card. So now I sign the card FIRST, and right next to it in bold letters write "ID REQUIRED." What I find amazing is how many people do not ask to see my ID, even when looking right at those words. A few other things about checks: -- Do not ever have your phone number imprinted on your checks. If a company requests your phone number, you can write it in. -- Do not ever have your driver's license number or other identifying number (such as SSN, heaven forbid!) imprined on your checks.
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