| Bloomfield,
CT 06002 |
|
June
14 2005 |
| |
Psst..
Want to know a secret? A lost or stolen wallet or purse including
credit cards, checks, your Social Security card, and even health
insurance cards is found pure gold for the identity thief.
If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, author Cynthia
Bercowetz in her book, “Don’t Get Ripped Off! Get Help! Tell
It to George, advises to:
- File a report with the police immediately. Get a copy in case
your bank, credit card company or insurance company needs proof of
the crime.
- Cancel each credit and charge card. Get new cards with new
account numbers. Call the fraud departments of the major credit
reporting agencies. Equifax (800) 525-6285. Experian (888)
397-3742, TransUnion (800 680-7289. Ask them to put a “fraud
alert” on your account and add a “victim’s statement” to
your file requesting that creditors contact you before opening new
accounts in your name..
- Report the loss to your bank if your wallet or purse contained
bank account information, including account numbers, ATM cards or
checks. Cancel checking and savings accounts and open new ones.
Stop payments on outstanding checks.
- Report your missing driver’s license to the department of
motor
vehicles. If your state uses your Social Security number as your
driver’s license number, ask to substitute another number.
- Change the locks on your home and car if your keys were taken.
Don’t give an identity thief access to even more personal
property and information. .
Award-winning author Cynthia Bercowetz includes this information
and much more on identity theft in her book, Don’t Get Ripped
Off! Get Help! Tell It to George.
Her book may be purchased from Infinity Publishing.com, Amazon,
and Borders and Barnes & Noble on line.. Contact your local
library. |
| |
Cynthia
Bercowetz (consumreye@aol.com)
Author/Consumer Advocate
22 Oak Lane
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone : 860-243-2208 |
|