Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself from identity theft:
· Print only your initials and last name the next time your order checks. If someone
steals your checkbook they won't know how you sign your checks but your bank will.
· When you are writing checks to pay on your credit
card accounts, don't 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 the processing channels
won't have access to it.· Never have your social securty number printed on your checks. You can add it if it is
necessary, but if you have it printed, anyone can get it.· Copy both sides of the entire contents of your wallet and keep the copy in a safe
place. That way you'll immediately know exactly what accounts to cancel and what
number to call.· If your wallet or purse is stolen, immediately file a police report in the jurisdiction
where it was stolen. This is the first step toward an investigation and also proves to
your credit providers that you were diligent in protecting not only your credit, but their
money as well.· Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud
alert on your name and Social Security number. A fraud alert informs any company
that checks your credit that your information was stolen. It also requires that they
contact you by phone before authorizing new credit.
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
CONSUMER PROTECTION
FCRA, CROA, FACTA. Find out
what the laws are and what they
mean to you and your credit score.
LOCAL & FEDERAL AGENCIES
There are several agencies that
monitor collectors and consumer
credit reporting agencies.
PROTECT YOURSELF
From identity theft to unwanted
credit offers. here are several ways to protect your identity, your credit and your personal information.
CREDIT PARTNERS
See a list of credit friendly lenders
and service providers. Extra savings for Safe Harbor clients.
