Helpful Information

nunn

For once here is some internet info that may actually be helpful to us.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.A corporate attorney sent this out to the employees in his company. I pass it along, for your information.We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in your name, address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately I (the author of this piece who happens to be an attorney) have firsthand knowledge, because my wallet was stolen and within aweek 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 drivingrecord information online, and more.But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises, cancel your 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. But also 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 ever thought to do this) Call the three national credit reporting organizationsimmediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#.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 tocontact you by phone to authorize new credit.By the time I was advised to do this, almost 2 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 or 1-800-772-1213We pass along jokes; we pass along just about everything. Do think about passing this information along. It could really help someone.

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Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!

GreenLantern

Thanks Nunn, that was very good info! I copied it all down. Another thing for people to think about! Do you still keep your Social Security card in your wallet or purse? Take it out and put it somewhere safe. My reasoning is that you'll usually know when you need it ahead of time. A determined person can probably get your SS# if they want to, but there's no sense in making it easy for them if they steal your wallet or purse.I had to harp on my girlfriend until she got tired of listening to me and took it out of her purse.

badboybob

Thanks David. Good info.

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PC=BS

Iconoclast

Great service to the board, Mr. Moderator - thank you!

j2k22

thanks for the tips!

v35

Good one, thanks.Last week someone with an Indian accent and the name Brian called and told me I won something. He just needed to confirm my birthdate and SS number.