Keep Your Good Credit
Normally I don't even pass along information. But I wanted to also let everybody know that your credit must be protected. The following article was sent to me by my big sister, and thought everybody should take the time to read this.
-Joel-
>
>* 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.
>
>* 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.
>
>* 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.
>
>* 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:
>
>* 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 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).
>
>But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do
>this).
>
>* 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.
>
>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
>
Excellent information, Thank You
Joel,
Sorry to hear about your credit theft. This on-going problem is threatening to undermine our credit economy. And in many ways, it another form of terrorism.
Your information is very helpful and instructive. I was NOT aware of the necessity of having an "alert notification issued" for both your name & ss # by the credit bureaus also.
None of us can be too vigilant about protecting our credit worthiness. Good luck in restoring your credit -- quickly! And thanks for sharing this invaluable info.
dmarketing
It wasn't my credit that was stolen. This was an email that I received that I thought I should share with other investors.
We are currently losing many of the rights of privacy we have long enjoyed. The patriot act and the patriot act II [even worse if it passes] has made it possible for our most personal information to be retrieved. I use multiple addresses, bank accounts, corporation, trusts, etc. I recently had a relative use a private detective look for me [regarding an inheritance]. The PD commented "this gal is good!" because I was so hard to track. I was furious because he was able to find me but it made me realize I have further work to do on my disappearing act.
One additional note about the fraud alert...I know from first hand experience. The credit bureaus will send you a free copy of your report when you put the alert on. Also, credit cannot be extended without first calling your home number to verify you applied for it. That keeps anyone from trying to get credit in your name.
Very useful and informative article! One caution about the Fraud Alert with the credit bureaus: It will be more difficult to buy certain services like telephone services. Because of the Credit Alert you may be refused service. This happened to me with Verizon. I had to go to the local Verizon store to prove my identity! My advice: Tell the service provider at the outset that you have registered a Fraud Alert.