OT, but useful (Identity theft)

[Ohio Blue Tip]

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE Read this and make a copy for your files in
case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his
advice!

A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his
company.

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.
(DUH!) 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 place
a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of
doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application
for credit was made over the Internet in my name. 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.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks 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 I knew about before
placing the alert.  Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the
thieves threw my wallet away. This weekend someone turned it in. It seems
to have stopped them dead in their tracks.

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

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything.
But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help
someone that you care about.

[n.c.rodder]

Thanks for the Info - It defiantly gives you something to think about!

Mike

[parklane]

Ken... That is excellent advice, however I have had my bank cash cheques that were not signed at all, never mind forged!!

By the way, when they die, why do they bury lawyers 10ft deep instead of the normal 6ft?? :? .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Cus way down deep, they're good guys    

[34ford]

While you are talking about fraud now you can get a free credit report each year from the big 3 reporting companies. Here's a link from the local tv station. Not sure if it is available in all states but you can try.
bob

Here's what they posted on their web site.

Starting Tuesday, March 1st, Nebraska residents will be able to get free access to their credit reports.

The free report is part of the government's efforts to help people fight identity theft. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act requires that consumers can get one free copy of their credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus each year. That way, consumers can check for any unusual activity that could be a sign of trouble. Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning asks that Nebraskans make good use of the free reports to help combat identity theft.
The free reports will be available online at www.annualcreditreport.com   or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

interesting stuff.

I can see where some of it is easy to apply right away.

Arizona leads the way for this fraud if I remember correctly

[Inprimer]

interesting stuff.

I can see where some of it is easy to apply right away.

Arizona leads the way for this fraud if I remember correctly

If I can chime in on some more, bought a shredder and shred everything with our name/info on it 2, Get your Camcorder out and TAPE all valuables, especially tools  in garage, jewelry, and any valuable furniture, that way at least you have a visual  to show ins co. May sound paranoid, but lots of crooks out there. Another thing, we went to look for new car the dealer wants to look and photocopy your  license, make sure you get the "copy" back they will run a credit ck on you with the zeox copy so therefore  dont allow them to keep it.

[Leon]

One thing we do on trips - Many years ago we got a separate credit card in my wife's name (her account only) so when we travel I keep the "joint" account credit card on me and she only carries her card.  If her purse is stollen we can cancel her card and I still have mine, and if me wallet is stollen, she has a credit card.  A friend was on a trip and when he reported all his cards lost, guess what - the wife's cards were no good till they got replacements.  It's a pain to be across the country with no credit card!