WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET:

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 the 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 were 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; 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.

(I, Greg, have seen this on credit reports more often than you might think. I don't know if the agencies have standard language, but it usually reads, in summary: "Fraudulent credit applications using my correct personal information have been submitted in name. If you are reading this and an application is being submitted, do not approve it until you verify with me personally that it is a legitimate application. I can be reached days at (phone #) or evenings at (phone #)." Since new applications for credit are rarely approved without first checking your on file credit bureau report, this step can significantly reduce the possibility of fraudulent accounts being opened. I believe that there is a federal law that says that the victim of credit fraud is only liable up to a maximum of $50, (for existing creditors, there may be a requirement that you have already notified them of the theft, I'm not certain) but in spite of that possible monetary limitation, it is still a big inconvenience to get your credit report cleared and straightened out and to get legitimate credit requests for yourself approved. As is indicated below, speed is of the essence, as an experienced thief will often act on the stolen cards and/or information very quickly. They know that there is a good chance of a report which will limit what they can do or get, so they have to act quickly. This is not always the case, especially when the information/cards are just lost rather than stolen, but why take the chance?

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 (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

The numbers are:

Equifax 1-800 525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at
1-800-269-0271

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