Here are some good ideas to save and to copy for your files in case
you need to refer to it sometime in the future:
1) Think about writing this on the back of your credit card, INSTEAD of your signature: " "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
2) Do you pay credit card or department store bills by check? Do you
walk out to your mailbox the night before or early in the morning? Thieves are
looking for your check and signature! DO NOT put the complete account
number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The department
store, electric company, credit card company know the rest.
3) Place the contents of your wallet face down on a copy machine
(your passport, too). Copy both sides of each card/document. In case of loss
or theft, you have a complete record of your card/ID.
4) Keep a record of the phone #s to call to cancel credit cards in case of loss or theft.
5) Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet!
6)Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. Most people have never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that calls to tell you an application for credit was made over the Internet in your 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.
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Now, here are the numbers you need to save:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration and FTC (fraud line):
1-877-438-4338 website address: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

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