We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed us in your name, address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately I (the author of this piece who happens to be an attorney) have firsthand 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. 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 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 vestigation (if there ever is one).

But 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): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

May I ask a dumb question, do 800 number work when calling from abroad?

Nice info, thanks.

I am not able to call US 800 numbers from Mexico. If at all possible find a non-800 number or an in country number for where you will be.

You CAN NOT call 800 numbers from outside the US (possibly Canada?).

Also, I recommend written copies of your CC numbers (reverse certain digits. ex. The 5 & 9th digits reversed and the 4 & 10th digits reversed so no one can use them) along with any NON-800 numbers your cards might have. Call the CC company before you leave, tell them what countries you'll be charging in and ask them for the NON-800 number to report problems. While it may not be on the back of your card, they Do have such a number.

Certified copy of your Passport and Birth Certificate is a good idea too. Keep them in your shaving kit.

I do a variation on Bonvvnt’s idea-I have 4 email accounts that I can access online, so I email myself the numbers for CC company while out of the US and I split the CC numbers and email ¼ of each one to a different account then save the emails. I also copy a lot of text at the top of the email to hide the numbers.

I always carry $1000 in travelers checks in case of emergency and email the numbers on the receipts to myself too. So far, I’ve never had to use them.

Definitely make several copies of your Passport. Lock up the original when you get to where you’re going.

I’m most worried about getting hit on the way in from the airport when you have everything you can't afford to lose on you. I’m surprised there aren’t more thefts using this MO.

Thanks for the info Sandman,


HC1

Gents,

This is not an original document of mine but one that was passed to me by some friends. Just wanted to share the ideas with the board.

No, you cannot make 800 calls outside the US. Yes, most Cr Cd companies have international numbers you can call.

Better safe than sorry.

Thanks for the credit check company info., I'll be departing for Thailand in a few days, that's good info.

www.visa.com says to use this numbers for the Visa Global Customer Assistance:

011-800-441-3485 if in Thailand
or
(612) 9251-3704 (you can call collect anywhere in the world)

Dudes,
Scan every importaint document(passport, credit cards etc..) and mail the jpegs to your private email account, if you lose anything all you need is access to a cyber cafe, logon and hit the print button....shhezzammm

Actually when I called my visa card company today they gave me a slightly different number for reporting a lost card in Thailand. First dial: 011-999-111-11, then ask for the AT&T operator, then have them call this number: 1-800-225-5935

Opps, that was the info. for the Wells Fargo Visa/ATM card, sorry about that.

Here's the info. for just Visa:

First get the operator, then call 701-461-2044 collect.

Most credit card companies let you call them collect when outside the USA. I recently had to do this and it was a quick and painless process. The most important thing is to carry multiple credit cards and put them in different places. I have a pouch on the bottom of my dopp kit where I have a copy of my passport and a credit card and ATM card. This saved me the last trip.