Goodnight Kiss -- IDENTITY THEFT

IDENTITY THEFT
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you (unhappily) need to refer to it some day.

SIX PREVENTIONS for IDENTITY THEFT

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first
   name) and last name put on them.
2. 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.
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. 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.
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.
6. 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:

IMMEDIATE REMEDIES for IDENTITY THEFT

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 easily.
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 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.

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

IDENTITY THEFT IS A HORRORSHOW! PROTECT YOURSELF!

	Web www.goodnightkiss.com

(C) 2004 Janet Fisher, no reprints without written permission.