WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET
We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed in your name, address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately, my friend (who sent this info to me) now has firsthand knowledge, because her wallet was stolen last month. Within a week the thief or thieves 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 her driving record information online, and more.
Here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately. 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: (My friend said she never ever thought to do this) - Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#. She had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell her an application for credit was made over the Internet in her 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 she was advised to do this, almost 2 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 she knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw her 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