By: Gregory Evans
Except from
High-Tech Hustler Column
In the year 2005
it’s not uncommon to hear stories of fraud due to unauthorized use of an
individual’s personal information. This is known as identify theft. A close
friend had his information stolen and it was a nightmare. Within a week, the
thieves ordered an expensive cell phone package, applied for a major credit
card, received approval for a Gateway computer, made changes within the DMV
online, and more.
Here are some helpful
tips to prevent you from becoming a victim:
Place only your initials on
your next check order. If someone takes your checkbook, they won’t know if
you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your
bank will know how you sign your checks. In most cases your bank will
quickly note the discrepancy and contact you immediately.
When writing checks to pay
credit card bills, never put the complete account number on the
"For" line. Instead, put the last four digits of the account
number on the check. The credit card company knows the rest of the number.
This prevents anyone who might be handling your check from accessing your
credit card number.
Put your work phone number
on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that
instead of your home address. If you don’t have a PO Box, use your work
address. Never have your social security number printed on your checks. You
can add it if it is necessary, but if you have it printed, anyone can get
it.
Photocopy both sides of
every credit card, license, etc. in your wallet. You will know what you had
in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and
cancel in the event of theft or loss. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
It’s a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling
abroad.
Here's some critical information to
minimize the damage in the instance your information and or credit cards are
stolen:
We’ve 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.
Immediately file a police
report in the jurisdiction where your credit cards were stolen. This proves
to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step towards an
investigation if needed.
Place a fraud alert on your
name and social security number. The fraud alert informs potential creditors
that they must call you and receive verbal consent prior to opening an
account in your name.
To place a fraud
alert on your name and social security number, contact the credit reporting
organizations.
For a list of website
on identity theft or for a FREE pamphlet of identity theft called “Hi-Tech
Identity Theft Made Short & Simple” by can be downloaded for free at www.ligattsecurity.com.
Please
feel free to contact Gregory Evans via e:mail at
gregoryevans@hitechhustler.net
or on the web at www.hitechhustler.net