| Identity Theft - the 10 Best Tips You Can Use | | | | a good idea to carry a photocopy of your |
| Right Now!We've all heard horror stories | | | | passport when traveling abroad.6. For couples |
| about fraud that's committed by someone | | | | or friends traveling together - each of you |
| stealing a name, address, Social Security | | | | should carry a different, unique credit card. |
| number or credit card. Here are 10 | | | | For example, one of you could carry a Visa |
| suggestions you can take to help protect | | | | card and one of you a Discover card. Don't |
| yourself.1. The next time you order checks, | | | | both carry the same credit card! That way if |
| have only your initials (instead of your | | | | one of you has their credit card stolen, you |
| first name) and last name put on them. If | | | | still have a valid credit card to use and |
| someone takes your checkbook, they won't know | | | | aren't completely without funds while you are |
| if you sign your checks with just your | | | | traveling.7. Another tip for couples or |
| initials or your first name, but your bank | | | | friends traveling together - each of you |
| will know how you sign your checks.2. When | | | | should carry the other person's photo copies |
| you are writing checks to pay your credit | | | | of their credit cards and passport. If |
| card accounts, DO NOT put the complete | | | | someone steals your wallet or purse, your |
| account number on the "For" line. Instead, | | | | traveling companion still has copies of all |
| just put the last four numbers. The credit | | | | your information.8. When you're reading |
| card company knows the rest of the number, | | | | email, don't click on any of the links listed |
| and anyone who might be handling your check | | | | in the email message. No matter how tempting |
| as it passes through all the check processing | | | | the offer is! This is a way 'phishers' use to |
| channels won't have access to it.3. Put your | | | | direct you to their website and capture your |
| work phone number on your checks instead of | | | | credit card and personal information.9. We |
| your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use | | | | are told to cancel our credit cards |
| that instead of your home address. If you | | | | immediately. But the key is having the toll |
| don't have a PO Box, use your work address.4. | | | | free numbers and your card numbers handy so |
| Never have your Social Security number or | | | | you know whom to call. Keep these numbers |
| driver's license number printed on your | | | | where you can find them separate from your |
| checks. You can add it if it is necessary. | | | | credit cards.10. File a police report |
| But if you have it printed, anyone can get | | | | immediately in the city where your credit |
| it.5. Place the contents of your wallet on a | | | | cards, purse or wallet were stolen. This |
| photocopy machine. Do both sides of each | | | | proves to credit providers you were diligent, |
| license, credit card, etc. You will know what | | | | and this is a first step toward an |
| you had in your wallet and all of the account | | | | investigation.Brought to you by developed |
| numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. | | | | to help the 'little guy' have access to legal |
| Keep the photocopy in a safe place. It's also | | | | services previously reserved for the wealthy! |