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Good Advice

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Dec. ~ 2006 Feb.: Free Expression: Good Advice users admin

Author Message
Rupertbear
Member

09-19-2003

Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 11:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rupertbear a private message Print Post    
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

Mamapors
Member

07-29-2004

Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 11:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mamapors a private message Print Post    
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.

Karen
Member

09-07-2004

Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 12:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karen a private message Print Post    
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!!

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 6:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
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

Cndeariso
Member

06-28-2004

Monday, February 06, 2006 - 9:12 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cndeariso a private message Print Post    
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.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 7:15 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
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.