I was going to add this story about a man who just found he was married to a woman he never met to the "What Kind of Crazy World is This?" listing, but then saw it was likely just a simple case of identity theft. Identity theft is a rapidly growing social problem . . . by this story, I can assume world wide . . . and so I thought I would use this story as an example to remind people to take precautions to keep their identity information secure. Below is the text of an email that was forwarded to me a few months ago. I reviewed the text of the message and agreed that such were proper steps to take in the event some unsavory character should get his hands on your information. Of course, the resources provided are for people in the United States, but most of the advice is relevant for use in any country. [The text is exactly as it was when I received it, except that I deleted all those nasty carets people leave in messages that get forwarded so many times and did add the bullet list for the agencies, because I thought it organized the pertinent information in a manner where it could be more easily retrieved.]
Posted by Tiger at April 14, 2003 07:27 PM | TrackBackThis is some good information. You might want to save it, or print it, for future reference.
A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
The next time you order checks, have only your initials, and last name, put on them. If someone takes your check book 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.
Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks -- (DUH!) -- you can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
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.
We've all heard horror stories about fraud, that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.
Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge, because my wallet was stolen last month.
Within a week, the thieves 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 (dept. motor vehicles) to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here's some Critical information, to limit the damage in case this happens to you, or someone you know:
We have been told we should cancel our 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.
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 even thought to do this )
Call the Three National Credit Reporting Organizations immediately to place a Fraud Alert... On your Name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing this 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 to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
By the time I was advised to do this, almost two 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 for the three National Credit Reporting companies, plus SS # stolen card line are:
Call Right away. Let them know your wallet, or purse has been stolen. Put in a fraud Alert! IT is very important that you do this, immediately ... IT could STOP anyone from using your line of credit. before the thieves start buying in your name.
- 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