THE 21st CENTURY CRIME!
The 21st Century has seen the explosion of a new kind of crime that was relatively unknown before - identify theft. Last year I actually had someone take the number off the bottom off one of my checks, print this number on checks with the name of other corporations and these checks were cashed in several states at a major Grocery Store Chain which was out over $15,000 before we realized what was happening. We had to close our business account, and the following fiasco took months to resolve!
I’d like to share some of the tips I learned… which all involved “CARE AND DILIGENCE”
1. When you order your checks - find out when they will arrive, or better yet - pick them up at the bank!
2. Have your first initial and last name printed on your checks. If your checkbook is stolen, the thief will not
know how to sign your full name.
3. Never have your Social Security Number on your check or in your wallet!
4. Make a photocopy of the full contents of your wallet and keep it in a safe place. (copy both sides)
5. Shred your documents (bank statements, credit card statements, etc.)
6. Don’t mail bills from your mailbox with the flag up.
7. Examine your Social Security Statement annually to ensure no one else is using your number.
8. Order a free credit repot every year from each of the three major credit bureaus. The best time to review
your credit report is at least three months before making a large financial transaction.
9. Opt out of receiving pre-approved credit offers by calling 888-5OPT-OUT. You can also opt out of mailing
and telephone lists by writing to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 9008,
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008 and include your name, home address and signature.
10. When shopping on-line, only provide personal or credit card information on sites that are secure.
IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM:
1. Call each creditor immediately to report the theft.
2. File a police report in the jurisdictioin where the theft occurred.
3. Call the three national credit reporting agencies and have them place a fraud alert on your name and
Social Security Number.
They are:
Equifax 800.525.6285
Experian 888.397.3742
TransUnion 800.680.7289
Other valuable resources are:
Social Security Adm. Fraud Hot Line 800.269.0271
Federal Trade Commissions’s Identify Theft Hotline 877.ID.THEFT
FTC’s Identify Theft Web Site consumer.gov/idtheft
If you use CARE and DILIGENCE - hopefully you will never have the need to utilize these resources.
Have a great day….Barb Bruno
