Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
An E-mail my sister sent along.
Subject: WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET
We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name,
address, SS#, credit, etc.
Unfortunately I (author of this piece) have firsthand knowledge, because my
wallet was stolen last month and within a week the thieve(s) 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 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.
As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the
key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know
who to call. Keep those where you can find them easily (having to hunt for
them is additional stress you WON'T need at that! point!).
On a personal note, I remember loosing a MC and until I got the toll free
number from information, etc. I was a wreck.
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 ever thought to do this.
Call the three national credit-reporting organizations immediately to place
a fraud alert on your name and SS#. I had never heard of doing that 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 2 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 are:
Equifax 1-800 525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289.
Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at 1-800-269-0271.
Subject: WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET
We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name,
address, SS#, credit, etc.
Unfortunately I (author of this piece) have firsthand knowledge, because my
wallet was stolen last month and within a week the thieve(s) 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 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.
As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the
key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know
who to call. Keep those where you can find them easily (having to hunt for
them is additional stress you WON'T need at that! point!).
On a personal note, I remember loosing a MC and until I got the toll free
number from information, etc. I was a wreck.
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 ever thought to do this.
Call the three national credit-reporting organizations immediately to place
a fraud alert on your name and SS#. I had never heard of doing that 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 2 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 are:
Equifax 1-800 525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289.
Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at 1-800-269-0271.
