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GCFlash (Hot off the Press - Tuesday, February 1, 2005) Edition #285

GCFlash 2005.2.1

2nd Flash: SECURITY TIPS

While it seems most email these days is either spam or a hoax, some

actually provide valuable information, such as the one reprinted below.

While we can't verify this actually happened to an attorney as reported,

these tips offer sound advice on limiting risk should you become a fraud

victim.

The next time you order checks, omit your first name and have only your

initials 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.

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 write

the last four numbers. The credit card company can identify you without

the rest, and anyone who might be handling your check through all the

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, use that instead of your home address. Never have

your Social Security number printed on your checks (DUH!) you can add it

if 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. I also carry a photocopy of my

passport when I travel 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, etc.

Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my

wallet was stolen last month. 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:

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 easily.

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: Call the three 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.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two 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): 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

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