Here are a few of our suggestions to prevent identity theft:
Do not have your full name printed on checks. Have your first initial and last name printed. If someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign your checks with just initials or your first name, but your bank will know.
When paying credit card bills by check DO NOT put the complete account number on your check. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number. Anyone who might be handling your check during the process won't have access to it.
Use a post office box on your checks instead of your home address. Try to use a work address if you do not have a post office box.
Use a work phone number on your checks if at all possible instead of your home phone number.
Photocopy the contents of your wallet. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet, all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
DO NOT have your social security number printed on your checks.
A little preventive action can save you from trying to straighten out a situation that may take years or maybe never get completely resolved.
Identity Theft: What to do if it Happens to You:
Part I
If you think you’re a victim of fraud, contact your credit card issuers to close or "flag" your account(s), and call your bank to put an alert on your checking accounts.
Empty your wallets of extra credit cards (and Ids) - or better yet, cancel the ones you don’t really use and keep a list of the ones you do use.
Never give out personal information over the phone, such as your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, credit card number(s), social security number or bank PIN code, except to someone you know or an established firm.
Shred pre-approved credit applications, credit cards receipts, bills and other financial information you don’t want before tossing them in the trash.
Financial institutions or business that handle personal information should protect consumers’ privacy by storing such material securely and ensuring it has limited access. It is essential to shred such material before disposing of it.
Consider removing your name from the marketing list of the three major credit reporting bureaus:
- · TRW at 800-353-0809
- · Equifax at 800-219-1251
- · TransUnion at 800-241-2858.
This reduces the number of pre-approved applications you receive in the mail.
Order your credit report once a year to check for accuracy or fraudulent use.
Consumer's Guide to Identity Fraud by the US Department of Justice
Who to Call for Help
- · Report credit card fraud to the three major credit reporting bureaus: TRW at 800-301-7195, Equifax at 800-525-6285 and TransUnion at 800-680-7289.
- · If you’ve had stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently in your name, call these check guarantee companies: Telecheck at 800-366-2425; and the National Processing Company at 800-525-5380. They can flag your file so that counterfeit checks will be refused.
- · If your Social Security number was used fraudulently, report the problem(s) to the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271. In extreme cases of fraud, it may be possible for you to get a new SSN.
- · If fraudulent charges appear on your account, call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 800-388-2227 for help in clearing false claims from your credit report.
- · If your a victim of identity theft that involves the U.S. Mail, call your nearest Postal Inspection Service office, and your local police.
Re-printed from National Association of Credit Managers Web-site.
Identity Theft: What to do if it Happens to You:
Part II
(Reprinted with permission of NACM® Loss Prevention Dept.)
This guide provides victims of identity theft with the major resources to contact. Unfortunately, at this time victims themselves are burdened with resolving the problem. It is important to act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage.
In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, names, and phone numbers. Note time spent and expenses incurred. Confirm conversation in writing. Send correspondence by certified mail (return receipt requested). Keep copies of all letters and documents.
- 1. CREDIT BUREAUS. Immediately call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies — Experian (formerly TRW). Equifax; and Trans Union. Report the theft of your credit card or numbers. Ask that your account be flagged. Also, add a victim’s statement to your report. ("My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at my phone number to verify all applications.") Be sure to ask how long the fraud alert is posted on your account, and how you can extend it if necessary.
Beware that these measures may not entirely stop new fraudulent accounts from being opened by the imposter. Ask the credit bureaus in writing to provide you with free copies every few months so you can monitor your credit report.
Ask the credit bureaus for names and phone number of credit grantors with whom fraudulent accounts have been opened. Ask the credit bureaus to remove inquires that have been generated due to the fraudulent access. You may also ask the credit bureaus to notify those who have received your credit report in the last six months in order to alert them to the disputed and erroneous information (two years for employers)
- 2. CREDITORS. Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently – by phone and in writing. Get replacement cards with new account numbers for your own accounts that have been used fraudulently. Request that old accounts be processed as "account closed at consumer’s request." (This is better than "card lost or stolen" because when this statement is reported to credit bureaus it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.) Carefully monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of new fraudulent activity. Report it immediately to credit grantors.
Fraud Verifications Requirements. You may be asked by banks and credit grantors to fill out and notarize fraud affidavits, which could become costly. The law does not require you to provide a notarized affidavit. A written statement and supporting documentation should be enough (unless the creditor’s offers to pay for the notary). Overly burdensome requirements by creditors should be reported to the federal government authorities. For help in determining which agency to contact, call CALPIRG or the Privacy rights Clearinghouse.
