The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first
name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your check book they
will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first
name but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT
put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last
four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and
anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check
processing channels won't have access to it.

Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you
have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO
Box use your work address.

Never have your SS# printed on your checks -- you can add it if it is
necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of
each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet
and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.

Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my
passport when I travel either here or abroad.

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in
stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.
Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet
was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) 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:

We have been told we should cancel our 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 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: (I never even thought to do
this). Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to
place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. 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 two 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): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

 

good information
old but good stuff i havent even done

 

Placing a fraud alert on your name in a national system can royally fuck you over.

I remember when I worked retail, people would have all there credit cards denied because they did that.

 

The only checks I write are to my landlord and my roommate who pays the cable bill.

I have no work number or home number, only a cell phone. The phone number on my checks is the land-line which I had last school year and is now used by my former roommate.

I pay my credit card and cell phone bills online.

 

you must use a phsyical address for your contact, most banks wont allow a PO.

 

Alot of retailers will not accept checks if the complete name isn't printed on the check [like starter checks]