…For Your Information …
 
Do not become a victim of identity fraud!
 

• Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO
ID REQUIRED.'

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 (not in your wallet!).

• Carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad.

• Cancel your credit cards immediately.

• 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).

• Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line 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.

• Here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it 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