I received the following email from a friend today. It contained some things I'd never thought about and hope by passing it along it may help someone else someday, Hope none of us ever have to use the advice. <BR> <BR>received this from a friend and it sounds like good advice. I verified the <BR>phone numbers at the bottom so am sending it on. <BR>Gail <BR> <BR>Subject: What to do if your wallet gets stolen... <BR> <BR>WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET <BR> <BR>We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name, <BR>address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately I (the author of this piece who <BR>happens to be an attorney) have firsthand knowledge, because my wallet was <BR>stolen last month and <BR>within a week the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, <BR>applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway <BR>computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record <BR>information <BR>online, and more. <BR> <BR>But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens <BR>to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises, cancel your credit <BR>cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card <BR>numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them <BR>easily. <BR>File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, <BR>this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward <BR>an investigation (if there ever is one). <BR> <BR>But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never ever thought to do this) <BR>Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a <BR>fraud alert on your name and SS#. I had never heard of doing that until <BR>advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made <BR>over the Internet in my name. <BR>The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information <BR>was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By <BR>the time I was advised to do this, almost 2 weeks after the theft, all the <BR>damage had been done. <BR> <BR>There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' <BR>purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, <BR>no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this <BR>weekend (someone turned it in).It seems to have stopped them in their tracks. <BR> <BR>The numbers are: <BR>Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 · <BR>Experience <BR>(formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 · <BR>Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289 · <BR>Social <BR>Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271 <BR> <BR>We pass along jokes. We pass along just about everything. Do think about <BR>passing this information along. It could help someone.

Thank you, JOdy. (I knew there was a reason I always liked you!) <BR>BC

Thank you JOdy! I have just copied it and sent it to my e-mail.

Great Info, Thanks

If traveling outside the U.S. you might have to ask someone back home to make the calls... I don't think our 1-800 numbers work from overseas...Pls. correct me if I am wrong... I also notate the number (with area code, not 1-800) for any credit card, so I can notify them if card is lost/stolen. Thanks...

Thank you JOdy. <BR>Very helpful info. I am sure many people will need this at some time. <BR> <BR>I had to do this for my husband a few years back when we found out someone had stolen his identity and then forgot about it. <BR> <BR>Also, to let others know, 1-800 does not work from overseas. However, if you know the number for your long distance carrier (ie, AT&T ) for the country you are in (since it is different in each country) they will connect you. <BR>You can always find the numbers for each country in a USA Today or other american paper. <BR>Another thing, you can also call your credit card company collect. <BR>I always have and they have always accepted. <BR> <BR>

Hi Micia and Alice, <BR>Very good suggestions. I knew CC numbers had to be called at a number other than the 1-800, but leaving all your other information with someone at home so they could start the process makes excellent sense. the sooner one starts the procedure the safer one will be. we have been having a big series of articles in our local paper about stolen identities and it is really frightening. One poor woman was even arrested and spent 2 days in jail with all that entails just because someone had used her cards and SS number to defraud!It has taken her 2 years and countless hours to clear her name&gt;

There are two important issues in this thread - canceling your credit cards and dialing 800 numbers from Europe. I've had cards stolen in Europe, have lost them, and have dialed 800 numbers. <BR> <BR>If you don't have the CC issuers phone number it is easy in some countries to walk into a bank and ask them to help you cancel the cards. I did that in Holland. The major cards have representatives in many countries and most banks are tied into the system. <BR> <BR>Calling 800 from Europe cannot be done without paying the local PTT or your long distance carrier. AT+T and others have toll-free numbers throughout Europe. Keep the phone numbers of your CC service departments in your travel record book. <BR> <BR>Whenever you use a credit card make sure that yours is returned, not that of someone else. Is it your name on the receipt? <BR> <BR>John Bermont <BR>www.enjoy-europe.com