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 first hand 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 whom 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