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 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.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
2.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
3.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
4.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

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.

(Author Unknown)

Thank you for posting this. It's happened to me just last year. Someone got into my mailbox and took a child support check out of it(1 of 2 of the last 11 years).They signed their ex-wife's signature, her bank account..MY NAME(misspelled it) and my SSN..and yes the bank cashed it. They can't do anything because the guy that stole my check is in Drug Rehab and the cop said they won't let the cop talk to this guy.

GREAT information, kojack! Would't you know it, I just got the checks I ordered in the mail with ALL my vital statistics on them. Well, I think I left of my SSN. LOL I'll pass the info on to all.

Thanks again!

Hmmmm talk about random

I like to give tips is that wrong ?

not at all hun, it helps alot of us

Thanks, Kojack.


'random' can be good.

Thanks kojack, seems some people just don't like their own stuff and want everybody else's. Shame we have to go through all this. I have Identity theft through my bank after this happened to me.

Thank you (((Kojack))) I've had mine stolen but I was lucky enough to nknow who it was and they ditched the state for a while. But I stopped her in her tracks! She was pretty pissed that the cell phone she had ordered over night shipping was cancelled, LOLOL......that was fun to hear about.
But on a serious note, there were some things I didn't know and will change in the future. I had my credit flagged as well, and know it wirks cuz when I tried to rent a place they asked for me ID.

HUGS!

oops, I meant works and my

Thanks some of those I had not thought of.

Great Post Kojack

Yes, thank you so much for all of that information,
with a smile and for free, too.



Oh, btw...


Hi Scotty Bravo...

anytime, glad I could help

Thanks again
May God Bless you, too...

Hi Rapunzel how is my beautiful lady friend from the West Coast doing?

same to you rapunzel

Kojack, thank you for your kindness and courtesy truly...


and with the following
I don't mean any disrespect
to you or to your post,
so....



Scotty, I am doing so much better
now that I heard from you...
You are so cool and down to earth..
..I love you lots...
Oh, and ladies from Massachusetts,
Take good care of Scotty...
He is one of the very best...