PREVENT FRAUD

Tips to Keep Your Credit Safe

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



• When you are writing checks to pay on your credit care accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company will know the rest of the number and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.



• Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. Never have your Social Security number 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. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. 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).



• Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security 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.
  
  The numbers are:
  Equifax: 800-525-6285
  Experian (formerly TRW): 888-397-3742
  Trans Union: 800-680-7289
  Social Security Administration (fraud line): 800-269-0271