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When ordering checks, use your initials instead of your full name. If ever the checks were to be stolen, the thief will be at a preferred disadvantage as your bank can recognize a signature discrepancy. |
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Additionally, when ordering checks, use a PO Box or work address instead of your home address and/or your work phone number instead of home phone. |
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If paying credit card payments with a check, do not record the entire card number on the check. Reference only the last 4 numbers. As the check is processed, it has the potential to come before many individuals. This ensures that those individuals are not exposed to your card number. |
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Instead of signing the back of your credit cards, write, “Photo ID Required”. |
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Do not provide your personal information via the telephone unless you have initiated (dialed) the call, and are confident of the credentials of the person to whom you are speaking. |
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Photocopy the contents of your wallet and keep the documents in a safe place for reference if your wallet is ever stolen. |
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In addition to canceling your credit cards, notifying your financial institution, and filing a police report, if your wallet is stolen you should also notify the three national credit reporting organizations to request a fraud alert on your name and social security number. This would prompt telephone contact with you before any company authorizes new credit for your social security number. The three national credit reporting agencies are:
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Trans Union (800) 680-7289 |
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Equifax (888) 766-0008 |
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Experian (888) 397-3742 |
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The following tips may help you avoid a compromise of your personal information; or may be helpful in the event that you find your personal information has been compromised.
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