Here are some practical things you can do to protect yourself from identity theft:
1. On your checks just put your initials for your first and last name. Someone stealing your checks won't know how you sign your checks.
2. On the signature line on the back of your credit cards write "Photo ID Required".
3. When you are paying a credit card bill, only write the last four digits of the credit card on your check's memo line.
4. Use your work phone number and address on your checks.
5. Make a photocopy of every document in your wallet. Be sure to copy the front and back. Keep this in a safe place. Write the credit card company's toll free number on the copy so that you can call to cancel if your cards are lost or stolen. (Don't panic, since your liability is limited).
6. File a police report immediately.
7. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and social security number. They are Equifax – 800 525-6285, Exprian (Formerly TRW) – 888 397-3742, Trans Union – 800 680-7289, Social Security Administration Fraud Line – 800 269-0271.
1. On your checks just put your initials for your first and last name. Someone stealing your checks won't know how you sign your checks.
2. On the signature line on the back of your credit cards write "Photo ID Required".
3. When you are paying a credit card bill, only write the last four digits of the credit card on your check's memo line.
4. Use your work phone number and address on your checks.
5. Make a photocopy of every document in your wallet. Be sure to copy the front and back. Keep this in a safe place. Write the credit card company's toll free number on the copy so that you can call to cancel if your cards are lost or stolen. (Don't panic, since your liability is limited).
6. File a police report immediately.
7. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and social security number. They are Equifax – 800 525-6285, Exprian (Formerly TRW) – 888 397-3742, Trans Union – 800 680-7289, Social Security Administration Fraud Line – 800 269-0271.
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