1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, write "PHOTO ID REQUIRED."
2. 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.
3. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy 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. Also carry a Photocopy of your passport when
traveling either here or abroad.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations Immediately to place a fraud
alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. 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.
1.) Equifax: 800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union : 800-6807289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 800-269-0271
