We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name, address, SS#, credit, etc.

Unfortunately I (author of this piece) have firsthand knowledge, because my wallet was stolen last month and within a week the 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 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.  As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll-free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know who to call. Keep those where you can find them easily (having to hunt for them is additional stress you WON'T need at that point!).

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:   and I never ever thought
to do this.

Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#.  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 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 I knew about before placing the alert). Since then, no additional damage has been done, and  the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend and someone turned it in.  It seems to have topped them in their  tracks.

The numbers are:
    Equifax 1-800 525-6285
    Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
    Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

The Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at 1-800-269-0271.

We pass along jokes, we pass along just about everything... Do think about passing this information along--it could help someone else!

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