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Buell Forum » Quick Board Archives » Archive through March 01, 2005 » How to avoid Identity theft and credit fraud « Previous Next »

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Along4theride
Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 09:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I know this is a Motorcycle related site but we all could use some good info on how to protect ourselves and our credit. I work in finance and have seen 1st hand the increase in identity theft and this is some good advice.

AN ATTORNEY'S ADVICE
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday.

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. 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. 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.

4. 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, etc.

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

But here's what is perhaps most important:
(I never even thought to do this).

3. 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 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 in their tracks.

The numbers are:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. Pass this information along. It could really help someone you care about.
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Dsergison
Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 10:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

thanks
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Outrider
Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 11:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Now that is what I call a "Community Service."

Thanks for publishing the letter.
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Court
Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 04:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It is good advice.

I was in the process of just ordering checks and took the tip about initials only.

Of course, the last time somebody tried to claim they were me the "yeah, I am really HER" tripped them up.

Courtney
: )
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Trolldaddi
Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 09:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Great info, Thanks
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