Check Tips [more]

• 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.
• 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 when writing the check if it is necessary, but having it printed on the check allows anyone to get it.
• Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, copy both sides of each license, credit card, and so on. 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.

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed in stealing a name, address, Social Security, credit cards, and so on. Unfortunately...wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves 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:

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 where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
• Call the three 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.

The numbers are:

• Equifax, Fraud Division 800-525-6285
• Experian (formerly TRW) 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
• TransUnion 800-888-4213, Fraud Division 800-680-7289
• Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline 800-269-0271

Source: Modified from a message received via electronic mail.

Fraud and Identity Theft Phone Numbers

• Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline 800-269-0271
• Federal Trade Commission 877-ID-THEFT (877-438-4338)
• Equifax 800-525-6285 (Fraud Division - 800-525-6285)
• TransUnion 800-888-42l3 (Fraud Division 800-680-7289), TDD 800-553-7803
• Experian 888-EXPERIAN (Fraud Division 888-397-3742), DD 800-972-0322
• National Foundation for Consumer Credit 800-388-2227
  National Fraud Information Center 800-876-7060
  National Insurance Consumer Help Line 800-942-4242