This video is worth watching. It could happen to anyone! You can’t be to trusting these days.
http://www.wimp.com/goodsamaritan
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America; According to the Federal Trade Commission 9.9 MILLION victims were reported last year.
Click here for other Identify Theft resources.
If you have your purse/wallet or even your PDA lost or stolen, here are a few steps you should take immediately
File a Police report: Report the crime/loss to your local law enforcement agency. Give them a list of the items it contained. Request a copy of the report. You might need it later. Also get the business card or name of the officer who took the report, the report number and a phone number to call if you have additional questions.
Credit/Fraud Alerts: Contact the three major credit reporting agencies by telephone. You will reach an automated system that allows you to leave your phone number.
It is highly recommended you include a home or cell phone number.
Ask for a fraud alert and your free report as a potential victim of id theft. The Crecit Agencies are required to provide you with a complimentary credit report when you place a fraud alert. The report gives you the opportunity to check for any pending credit applications and to verify that all the current information is correct. It becomes an accurate baseline for the fraud alert and may alert you to suspicious activity.
In 2 to 3 months you should begin to use the annual credit report system. If your Social Security Number is being used, you may want to consider a “credit freeze”.
If your Driver’s license or vehicle registration was taken, contact the state of Florida. Place a stolen/lost card warning on your file. Also, request a replacement. If you discover that your license is being used, request a license number change.
If credit cards or copies of bills are missing, contact the issuing creditor and ask for a replacement with a new account number. A Federal law requires credit grantors to furnish copies of any fraudulent transactions for that account. Monitor your mail for collection notices, missing statements or bills. Check bills for evidence of new fraudulent activity. Report problems immediately to credit grantors.
Lost checking account numbers, savings account numbers, checks, ATM cards, or debit cards: Contact the bank immediately and close the account. Open a new account with a new number. Add a password on the account. It sometimes helps to go directly to the local branch and speak face-to-face with a bank manager or fraud investigator. Do not waste time explaining your case to a teller.
A lost check cashing card: Notify your bank immediately. Cancel the card and request assistance on what to do next.
Supermarket club cards, including check cashing: Notify the store, cancel the card, and request a new card.
Lost long distance calling card with pin number printed on the card: Cancel the card immediately and request a replacement card. Do not have your pin number printed on the card. Change password on the account.
Library and video store cards: Contact the issuing company/agency. Ask for that account to be closed and another opened with a replacement number. You may also want to add a password to the new account.
If your Social Security Card was lost or stolen: The following year in June (you have to wait till after that year’s taxes are filed), contact the Social Security Administration and ask for a copy your Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement.