Here is some excellent information sent by cousin John Richardson (who
received  it from his brother):                 [Take care,  Charlotte and
Bill]


> WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET:
>
> > We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's
> > committed using your name, address, SS#, credit, etc.
> > Unfortunately I (author of this piece) have first hand
> > knowledge, because my wallet was stolen last month and
> > 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.
> >
> > 1. 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 who to call. Keep those where you can find them
> > easily (having to hunt for them is additional stress you
> > WON'T need at that point!).On a personal note, I
> > remember loosing a MC and until I got the toll free
> > number from information, etc. I was a wreck.
> >
> >
> > 2. 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).
> >
> > 3. 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 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 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.
> > The numbers are:
> > Equifax 1-800 525-6285
> > Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
> > Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
> > Social Security Administration also has a fraud line
> > at 1-800-269-0271
> >
> > We pass along jokes, we pass along just about everything....
> > do think about passing this information along .... it could help
> > someone else

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