1. Notify the three major credit bureaus listed below and have them place a 'Fraud Alert' on your account.  Note that the fraud alert may expire after 90 days and you may need to renew it.
2. Notify your credit card issuers and alert them to not issue any new cards or change your address without first contacting you directly.  Put a passphrase or password on your accounts so verbal verification is needed before changing anything.
3. Notify your bank(s) of the possibility of identity theft and ask them for suggestions as to how they handle identity theft cases.
4. If your identity has been stolen, file a police report.
   
5. If you feel that you are already the victim of identity theft, see page 2 of the current News Bulletin for the AIG Group Identity Theft Insurance telephone and account numbers.  All RTAC members receive identity theft insurance as a part of their membership.
   
6. Go to the US Government's web site for additional information.
   

 

Experian P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)  www.experian.com

Trans-Union Fraud Victim Assistance Division  P.O. Box 6790,  Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 1-800-680-7289  www.transunion.com

Equifax P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com

Some additional suggestions even if your identity is not currently threatened:

1. 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.

2. When you sign the back of your credit cards add "PHOTO ID REQUIRED."

3. 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 the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check-processing channels will not have access to it.

4. Never have your SS# printed on your checks, (DUH!). You can add it if it is necessary. However, if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. 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 have all heard horror stories about fraud that is committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number and/or credit cards.

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