Cagey

I went to a seminar yesterday and they told us several ways to prevent or minimize identity fraud.

Here are some of the good ideas:

1. make a copy of all your credit cards or any ID that you carry in your purse or billfold. (both sides).
That way you have the info to report the lost or stolen cards/IDs in a timely manner.
2. Don't put checks in your mailbox and then put the flag up. It signals crooks that there is something in your mailbox and they can get your info that way.
3. don't have new checks mailed to your home mailbox. (Not sure where else you would have them mailed)
4. Don't use a debit/credit card to pay for gas.(scanners at the pump.)
5. Crosscut (shred) or burn all papers.

There were lots more but I found these interesting.

ptquilts

Lots of good ideas, thanks. I have all my CC info (numbers and telephone numbers) written down.

I so rarely use checks, I can't see any new checks coming my way in the near future!! Think I have a lifetime supply.

nivosum

I have heard that you should have your checks mailed to your bank's local branch that you use and pick them up there.
Of course, discuss this with your bank to know if they will let you do it.

Anniedeb

All good tips! Our neighborhood was hit last summer with thefts from mailboxes with flags up, and just this past week the gas pump scammers hit our area! One can never be too careful!

catmcclure

Best bet for gas station/grocery store scanners is to get a credit card (or a separate checking account) that you use ONLY for those purchases - make sure it's a very small balance credit card ($500 or less) and pay it off in full every month. I have a separate checking account that has only a couple of hundred at any time and that's the only account I use as a debit card. I can go online and transfer funds from my main account quickly.

BellaBoo

Thanks! I found the easiest safest way is to get Life Lock. My friend had her ID stolen and the stress is not worth it. I think that stress caused her decline in health. False charges to your credit card is nothing compared to ID theft. No one believes you are who you say you are once you ID is stolen. A birth certificates will not be proof.

tessagin

The only mail that comes to my physical address is junk or something that needs to be shipped and I know I will be home at the time. I pay online. All monies coming to me are automatic deposit. I use my debit/credit at the pump and I only go to certain stations for gas. I had one problem with a credit card when I had to take a item of clothing to a dry cleaner. I knew owner. I had paid with my credit card and noticed all the numbers showed on my receipt. I didn't move and it was near closing time. 3 people behind me. I called the owner and told him of the situation. he told the cashier to void the sale. I told him to get his behind down to the store. Cashier and everyone else were not happy. Others came back next day or whatever. Owner came down to the shop reluctantly, but I told him if he didn't I was calling the police. Cashier said if I didn't leave she was calling the police. The very same cashier had changed the settings while she was on duty and they found she made copies of the receipts that showed the acct. numbers. She was arrested. Always check your receipt. If you see your complete acct. number on the receipt call the mgr. make them void the sale and change the settings on their computer/registers. If they refuse, call the police and don't be afraid to press charges. Also tell them you want the receipt that has the acct numbers on it.

littlebitoheaven

Tessagin! This is such great advice. I had my credit card compromised at my LQS in Siren, WI a couple of months ago. How do I know which shop it was? It was the only shop that I used my card. The perpetrators ordered $640.00 worth of clothing from Overstock.com. It happened on a Friday. I just happened to check my balance that late afternoon (clever day as most businesses are closed). I e-mailed Overstock of the transaction and they immediately canceled the order. Clothes were being sent to Grantsburg, WI (population 1,000). I was also able to cancel my card number (24 hours service).

I have never checked my receipt from that business, but will do so from now on. Will not ever use my card at this LQS again. I did notify the store. No response!

Thanks again. We can never be too careful.

Stitchit123

My purse was stolen from a job site. 2 days later my purse and all of my husbands cards and ID were returned. My ID's were gone. I had notarized copies of my drivers license -SS card-Birth Certificate. So no biggy I thought. Boy was I wrong.It took me 31/2 yrs to get these replaced. Each of these offices refused the notarized copies.Because I did not have a State issued picture ID. Finally was able to get my DrLic because my DIL's cousin got a job at the DMV and we knew each other from family get together's. But it was some what illegal and she could have lost her job and had charges filed against her. Since then I carry a small wallet that only holds ID's that slips into my back pocket. Gave up using charge and debit cards.The hassle of replacing things is not worth carrying a purse with excess doo-dads in it.

cpfrog

All good advice... live and learn from each other.

Littlebitoheaven should have also called the police to get a record of this FRAUD.

Unbelievable what goes on. You just can't be too careful!!! Take it slow and check EVERYTHING!!!! If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts... better safe than sorry.

THANK YOU all for your advice.