FIGHTING IDENTITY THEFT


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

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 -- you can add it if it is
necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

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. 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 on-line, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this
happens to you or someone you know 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.

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) 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.

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

POUPETTE: Thank you for your concern for others!

Dear Angie,

I just wanted to tell you about my new eBay hobby:

1. I go to eBay.

2. I search Chloe products.

3. I find the ones that either look fake or are advertised as being "brand new, authentic, 1/2 price."

4. Then I check the seller's history to see if he has either: complaints OR tons of very positive, very recent reviews.

5. Then I send the seller a message saying it sure looks like he is committing fraud and I will be watching him.

6. Then I contact the high bidder and tell him the item looks fake and direct his attention to the seller's history of complaints for selling fakes or his apparently forged history of rave reviews.


Philip