Here's some critical information to limit the damage in case your wallet or purse should ever be stolen. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit cards, etc, so 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. Should your wallet/purse be stolen: 1. Retrieve the photocopies of the contents of your wallet/purse and cancel your credit cards immediately. 2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers that you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). 3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#. 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. 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
I just put a fraud alert on my SS# (it took me 10 minutes) and I get the following benefits- 1. Free copies of my credits reports are being mailed to me. 2. I have been taken off the list that prompts banks to send me free credit card offers. 3. Nobody can take credit out in my name without a more strict verification process. Thanks for the info. I am going to get my wife to do this as well. I know too many people who have had their identities stolen.
I read Rich Rocket's post, and followed the attorney's directions. Just call those 800 numbers and follow the computer's ques- it is easy and fast. It seems to me that preventive measures are always preferable to fixing problems. The benefits I listed were a surprise to me, so I am glad I followed Richrocket's lawyerly advice.
Do I really need a copy of my Randalls card, my Dave and Busters card, a Lord Of The Rings ticket stub and a condom?? Seems sorta strange to me. os
<b>OldSchool</b>: Lawyers leave no stones unturned. BTW, I'm not an attorney. I got this via email and edited it quickly for posting here-- coulda been better!! But you get the idea... Be safe.
actually, we're much better as boat anchors... i've actually heard another attorney speak on this topic before...he's with the district attorney's office and he does a real nice job of publicizing info like this.
I assume that's what the condom is for... Of course, the expiration date on the condom in Old School's wallet is probably some time in the mid 90's
