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| To enter our free financial information center |
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Do you know?
Why not have a free copy of your credit report available when you call us about debt reduction?
We'll negotiate your debt and show you how to get
a free credit report. Click here for details!
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| Easy Ways to Protect Your Credit |
- The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them.
If someone takes your checkbook, 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.
- Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
- When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account
number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of then
number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't
have access to it.
- Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box,
and we suggest that you get one, use that instead of your home address. If you do not 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.
- 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. Also, carry a photocopy
of your passport when traveling 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.
- What should you do if your wallet is stolen? 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.
- File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen.
This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation
(if there ever is one).
- Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on
your name and Social Security number. 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.
- Now, here are the numbers you always need if your wallet has been stolen:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
- Social Security Admin. (fraud line):1-800-269-0271
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