Avoid Fraud & Identity Theft


Avoid Fraud & Identity Theft



by Dave Barth, September 25, 2008

Suggestions from a corporate attorney:

  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 number 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 number printed on your checks. 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. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad. Thieve(s) who steal a person's wallet can order an expensive monthly cell phone package, apply for a VISA credit card, get a credit line approved to buy expensive items, receive a PIN number from the DMV to change your driving record information online, and more.
    5. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
  5. Cancel your credit cards immediately. Carry a copy of the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call.
  6. 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 (if there ever is one).
  7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security 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. There are records of all the credit checks that are initiated when a thief makes purchases. Here are the numbers you always need to contact if your wallet, etc. has been stolen:
    • 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