posted on September 26, 2003 01:21:29 PM new
Hope I didn't miss this in another thread, but did anyone see this (new-to me) about using a virtual CC #, instead of your real CC number? Seems interesting. Its at citi.com
Also my some one sent me this. It seems like a given,kinda - but for those who may forget might be helpful to read:
An Attorney's Advice
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it
some day. Maybe we should all take some of his advice!
The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name and last name put on them.
* If someone takes your check book 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 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 won't have access to it. * Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks (DUH!) 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. > > 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: (I never even thought to do this).
*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 then, no additional damage has been done, and the
thieves threw my wallet away this weekend. someone turned it in. 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
> > We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. Pass this information along. It could really help someone you care about.
posted on September 26, 2003 02:38:20 PM new
Thanks, neroter12
Unfortunatly, my brother had his wallet stolen last night (he, duh, left it in his truck, it was locked, but...)
This morning, he's calling me, to get the phone numbers to different credit card companys (he had something like 10 CREDIT CARDS in his wallet) Some he couldn't even exactly remember all of them...
He hasn't done anything about his drivers license yet.... I tried to tell him to call the DMV, but right now he's more concerned about his CC's.
They also took an expensive stereo, a TV? (he has a camper type truck, and it was one of the new ones, he was 'going to install')
But the strange thing was they took his registration to his truck!? And in his glove box was also his paycheck, which they left, but the registration to the truck?
I hate to think what I'd do, and I think I'll take this advice and get all the info off the stuff in my wallet! I still have the original SS card, I got when I was 14 (now thats an antique! ) and carry it, and now I know NOT to.
Thanks for the info! Identity theft has got to be one of the worst things to happen!
Wanna Take a Ride? Art Bell is Back! Weekends on C2C-www.coasttocoastam.com
posted on September 26, 2003 03:13:26 PM new
I never carry my credit cards unless I know I am going to use them that day.
cuts down on the temptation and they are locked up safely at home.
the only thing in my wallet are my drivers license and my library card.
someone that worked at a motel where hubby and I stayed stole the copy of my Paypal card.
they tried to charge visits to porno sites on it...the first one worked, after that no money left on it(I always keep the balance at near 0)....Paypal was very nice and quick about giving me the 800 number of the billing company and my money was returned within 3 business days.
posted on September 26, 2003 03:40:04 PM new
Near,
So sorry to hear about your brother. I cant figure why they took the car registration either, unless it has address info or something specific on it? Don't know. Sometimes they ask for things like that to open a phone or utility account?? Its the worst feeling.
My DH lost his CC and next thing you know, someone was up and down the main drag here going out to eat and bought some clothing and tried to return it for cash. I went to see the merchant and I was mad she didn't ask to see ID, especially when it was a woman (supposedly) and she was using a Man's CCard. Said the woman said she was his wife. I was like, I got my own card I AM HIS WIFE - and you shouldn't be taking a man's CC from someone without even asking for ID claiming to be is his wife. That bugged me. The merchant was wrong to do that. She said sorry, but I felt like saying sorry my a**. But I do have some protection thing that I only have to call one number. Still, dont like the any prospect of any of that happening.
posted on September 26, 2003 04:18:29 PM new
Yeah that is weird about the registration to his truck, I think something is definitly up with that!
Wow, sorry about credit cards getting stolen!
The only time I don't have them , is when Mikey takes them away from me when I go to the casino LOL!!!!
And I too, don't keep much of anything in my PayPal account, good thing about that card is that it WON'T work unless you have that amount in the account.
And I never take checks... I never use them anymore! Plus, at least here, they do not put your SS# or Drivers license # on them, I have seen that soooo much, when getting checks from buyers on ebay in other states! I can't believe banks do that!
Wanna Take a Ride? Art Bell is Back! Weekends on C2C-www.coasttocoastam.com
posted on September 26, 2003 05:44:10 PM new
If they steal the registration to your vehicle and your garage door opener...
I think this is only done if something good is found in the truck (i.e. the TV.). The theives will think there is a bounty to be found at the home as well.
posted on September 26, 2003 10:19:16 PM new
He should contact DMV right away as the thieves might try to "clone" the vehicle.
By removing your owner's registration and insurance card from your vehicle, a thief can use those documents to obtain a license plate registered to him. The thief then steals a vehicle which is identical or similar to his and counterfeits the vehicle's identification number. The result is two vehicles with the same VIN and registration. Naturally, if the stolen vehicle is involved in an accident or used in a crime, the police will think it's his vehicle.
) and carry it, and now I know NOT to.