*Identity Theft*-Victim's Quick Check List

If you've just had your wallet/ purse stolen or lost with all your identification, driver's license, social security card and credit cards inside or if you've ever been a victim of identity theft then you know all too well the frustration, fear and confusion it can cause.

I've been a Police Officer for over 28 years and have handled countless Identity theft cases. Identity theft is rapidly on the rise and the new wave of crime. Suspects don't have to get close to their victims and often times the victim has no idea they are a victim of ID theft until the damage has already been done.

To help you get started I've provided a "Victim's Quick Check List".

Step one

Contact all three credit bureaus and put a security alert on your credit. By doing this you will prevent any further damage from being done to your credit. Ask to be notified immediately if any new credit is being opened.

1) Trans Union - www.TransUnion.com - 1-800-680-7289

2) Experian- www.Experian.com - 1-888-397-3742

3) Equifax - www.Equifax.com - 1-800-525-6285

Step two

Call your Bank or credit card company(s) and let them know you have lost or had your credit cards stolen and close the cards. The bank will issue you new cards with new credit card numbers. Have the Bank or card company(s) put an alert of your account to watch for any suspicious activity.

Ask the bank to send you an "Affidavit of fraud" or download an affidavit from the Federal Trade Commission; http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/resources/forms/affidavit.pdf

(source: www.ftc.gov)

Step three

File a Police report immediately for "lost or stolen" wallet/purse listing all the cards, identification etc. You will need to file the report with the area Police Department where you lost or had your wallet/purse stolen.

Make sure to get the "Police report case number" to give to all your creditors.

Note: If by chance your credit cards were already used by the suspect before you could cancel them then first file the "lost or stolen" Police report with the area Police station they were lost or stolen.

Secondly, file an additional report for "Identity Theft" with your local Police station where you live.

Note: You cannot file the "identity theft" report where the cards were used and so you do not have to fly to another state or far away city to file the report. You are considered a victim of identity theft where you live not where the cards were used.

Step four

Contact the Federal Trade Commission Hot line- www.ftc.gov/idtheft - 1-877-438-4338 for help, reporting, guidance and resources.

Safety tips to help you avoid becoming a victim

1) Never carry your Social Security Card in your wallet/purse.

2) Carry only your driver's license or identification card and only one credit card that you will need for that day otherwise leave the rest at home.

3) Never give your personal information or account numbers to anyone claiming they need to verify it over the phone or on the Internet. (any legitimate institution already has your information so why would they need to verify it)

4) Sign up through your Bank or well known Identity Protection Company. One that will send you your credit report monthly and alert you if your identity is being used anywhere.

5) Shred all business documents with your personal information on it that you are throwing away.

6) Use ATM machines in safe locations.

7) Cover the key pad when typing in your pin number and personal information at an ATM.

8) Do not use your credit card at fast food or shady locations.

9) When using your credit card never allow the sales person to take your card or identification out of your sight.

10) Consider having your mail sent to a Post Office Box to avoid mail theft from your home or apartment mail box.

11) Keep all your account information, credit card numbers and personal information in a secure safe place so that you can have quick access in case you need to report them lost.

12) Review all your accounts and credit reports monthly to view any discrepancies or suspicious activity.

13) Remove your name from mailing and marketing lists.

14) Don't use Pin numbers that are easily figured out such as; "1,2,3,4" or "1122".

15) When using your credit card make sure only the last few digits of the card number are showing on any copies. Do not allow the business to use the old fashion credit card swiping machines that generate a carbon copy of your card.

16) Go to the "National Do Not Call Registry" website and add your telephone numbers so telemarketers cannot call you. www.donotcal.gov

17) There is a vast amount of resources and information on identity theft available to you. Educate yourself by searching the Internet, reading various articles and pamphlets and learn to protect yourself against identity theft.

Article also posted on Triond.com and Bukisa.com by Scott Hallock