subject: Guard Yourself If Your Wallet Is Stolen [print this page] Never sign on the reverse of your credit cards! Write "Photo ID Required". Hence no one can access your accounts unless you authorize him, or know your signature, name or handwriting.
When using checks to pay, the full account number should not be specified on the "For" section. The last four digits will do. The company can understand, and others in the office cannot get the proper number. Majority of the customers are straightforward, one criminal can cause trouble.
Your office number should be specified on the check and not your residence number. A post office box may replace your address. If not, your office address may be used.
Avoid specifying your social security number on your checks! Your identity may be stolen if anyone gets your SSN. Also never tell your full SSN by phone. If someone requests it, they may be dangerous or they may not need to contact you.
Empty your wallet. Take the Xerox of all cards, ID's, license, credit cards--anything that's later referred. Both sides should be xeroxed legibly. This may change your in your life later. Normally the contact number for stolen case is on the reverse. All copies should be kept safely.
A file including all contacts, account numbers, etc. should be made for each card. It also should be kept safely. If your wallet or a credit card goes missing, the agency MUST be contacted immediately and card(s) deactivated.
If you hold a passport, it too should be copied. One is kept at home and one with you at journeys. It may save your life if you lose your passport in foreign land.
Instantly inform the police, in the place your wallet or cards were missed. For example, if your wallet went missing in Kalamazoo, do not complain in Pasadena. You can be diligent by giving a police complaint for an enquiry. It's mandatory for some firms for starting their procedures.
Simultaneously alert all the three credit reporting organizations and the credit card companies and set up a fraud alert. The Social Security fraud line should also be informed. Hence, companies accessing your account will learn that your account was stolen, and new credit cards are blocked for your name unless the firm calls you. Some phone numbers of the credit reporting organizations and the Social Security fraud line are given below.
