WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed us in your
name, address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately I (the author of this 
piece  who happens to be an attorney) 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 whom to call.  Keep those where you can find them easily.
 
File 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: (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 and 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 (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

Click on links below to Goto the page that outlines how report your card stolen or lost.

                                                                                        

  Report Lost/Stolen Card In  the country: 800 2 DINERS, 800 234 6377       Out of the country: 1 303 799 1504 (call collect)

  Q: What should I do if my credit card is lost or stolen?

A: Immediately contact us at 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683) and report the Card's loss or theft to us. At that time, we will close your Account and re-issue you a new Account number and cards.

     Lost or Stolen: 1-877-959-5955   24 hours, 7 days/week

We will keep adding card information as we find it.  In the mean time you should copy the information off your card or statement  and add it to this page.

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

We recommend you print this page out and save it in a safe place where you can find it should you ever need it.

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