OT--Great Christmas gift (NOT!!)

[AKF]

:mad We were at the bowling alley yesterday for our autism support group Christmas party, and my van was broken into and my purse stolen!! I KNOW I shouldn't have left it in there, but I did, and that's my carelessness, but it still TICKS ME OFF!

The worker at the alley made a parking lot check at 2:45 and everything was OK. I came out at 3:10 and my driver side window was broken and my purse gone. (I really didn't think it could be seen from outside, but I was wrong!)

I've cancelled my credit cards and called the bank. They are going to watch my account for suspicious activity. (My friends work there, so I know they really will) I've found the #s for the credit agencies and will call at lunch time to halt any new credit applications for me, DH, and the kids.

Now I've got to get drivers liscense, insurance cards, etc. replaced. It's such hassle!! Plus it's going to cost over $200 to replace the window, and my insurance decuctible is $500!! We raised it this summer when we put Kevin on our insurance, to get the premiums lower.

It's such a great day!!!!!

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

UGH! SO SORRY!

I have this BIG list of stuff you should do when this happens...off the top of my head the only things I can think of are:

-putting a fraud alert on your credit reports..they will verify with you anytime a credit request is made. This works! It's just a statement on your report, and the creditor will call you and ask you a bunch of questions that no one else should know...like who was your first employer or what addresses have you had, or something similar.

-get your passport if you don't already have it, before someone else does.

-lower your daily limits on everything you can (credit cards and debits) and put an ID request on your cards. This is a CRAZY one, but what I didn't know until I had a similar situation occur was that the banks automatically up your daily charging/withdrawal limits without your knowledge it could be almost anything, unless you set it at something that you can manage in an event like this....AND it is not normal practice to request an ID for purchases (credit or debit)...if you put a flag on your account, anytime your card is used rather than an approval coming accross to the clerk, they will get a message to verify the users ID. Inconvience for you...but VERY unfortunate for a theif!!!!!

-when you replace your license...don't use your SS#, if that's what your state does...they should have options for an S#. Similarly with your medical cards and such. And in the same vein...if your state uses digital pictures, get it retaken when you replace your license. This way if someone is pulled over or whatever and tries to use your ID, the cop will pull up a more recent pic and know that the one he is looking at is not valid!

If you'd like, I can dig up this list and send it to you, or post it here...let me know if you are interested...

KJ

[Mother's Heart]

If you'd like, I can dig up this list and send it to you, or post it here...let me know if you are interested...

KJ

I'm interested. :)

[mc4_a]

I try not to leave anything of value in my car ever. But even then people will shock you. Someone broke in and stole my daughter's car seat and a bag of candy. Really great.

[milivica]

OH my God, I am so sorry, how rotten.

Try and check the local dumpsters around there...the two times my purse was stolen (at a restaurant by our waiter, and at a bar) the purse wound up in the dumpster in back. So at least I got my glasses back.

Just lousy. You just can't let your guard down for a second anymore. Karma is a real b!tch, I truly truly believe what comes around goes around. Who ever did that might get a Christmas herpes all over their lips or something. Who ever did that, might get a new gift like a car stereo stolen. Who knows. I just hope you didn't have much cash in your purse.

I know what a massive hassle it is trying to cancel everything.

Again, gosh I'm so sorry.

[AKF]

If you'd like, I can dig up this list and send it to you, or post it here...let me know if you are interested...

I've tried to do what I can think to do, but I'd like to see that list, if you don't mind. Why not post it here; it might help somebody else.

I'm in the process of doing the fraud alerts right now. I'm going to put that ID request on the new cards when they come in. It's a good idea, because lots of stores don't ask for ID when you use a credit card.

It really is a hassle, but at least they didn't hot wire my van and take it!!! There were also some things in the van that they didn't take, so that's good, too.

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Ok...give me a little time...I think it's on the PC, but gotta remember where I put it...if I don't find it, I'll have to type it up, K....

Gotta just go check on Coley then I can get to it...Audrey just went down, so hopefully, I'll find it fast!

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Found it FAST.... this is an e-mail to my sister when she was held up at gun point getting into her car with her 2 little girls at the grocery store...WHAT!!!!!!


1. ChexSystems & NCPS (Nat'l Check Protection Service) is the company that approves new checking accounts. For whatever reason banks don't use the credit agencies for this. You can put an "Identity Theft Security Alert" on file with them. It stays of file for 5 years. So you'll need to renew it every 5 years with them, but I think they notify you when it's running out. I saw a report that kids info gets passed around & around because it's blank (at this point) so you'll probably need to renew theirs for them until they can do it on their own.

1-888-478-6536 (1-888-4stolen id)
www.chexhelp.com (http://www.chexhelp.com/)
12005 Ford Rd, Suite 600
Dalas TX 75234

1-800-838-1980
NCPS
400 Hingham Street
Rockland, MA 02370


For Credit Report and Fraud Alert:
2. Experian: 1-888-397-3742
3. TransUnion (TRW): 1-800-680-7289
4. Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 (report) 1-800-525-6285 (fraud alert)

Also, Opt-out Department (excludes you from the list of Automatic credit) for all 3 agencies - 1-800-567-8688

5. National ID theft Line (Federal Trade Commission) 1-877-438-4338

Some advice that I got to further protect myself:
1. When I have my license reissued DON'T use social security #.
2. Open a new Checking account & DON'T use full names or phone numbers on the check (NEVER use your ss#)
3. Call the PO and make sure that you know their policy for recieving address changes (in case someone tries to change it to get your mail)
4. If you have any credit cards (reissue) and make sure you put an ID request on it for ALL purchases (this will insure that no purchase is approved until the sales clerk verifies that the purchase is being made by you)
5. Put a limit (that you can manage on your credit cards (prevents cards from automatically upping your limit without your request)
6. Put a daily limit on your ATM card.
7. If you do not have a passport (or it has expired) GET ONE before someone else does in your name.
8. Change your Health Insurance (and Dental) to a non SS# ID.
9. If you have movie cards, gym or any other membership cards - make sure that they also know your cards were taken, reissue (without SS#)
10. Make sure you get a copy of the police report for your records
11. Put a block on automated loan inquires (if you have a mortgage, personal loan or GSL) balance inquires will need to be made in writing or with a live rep after verifying your identity with a password.
12. Remove yourself from the junk mail list:
Postal Inspector
Mail Preference Service
PO Box 9008
Farmingdale NY 11735-9008

13. Get on both the local and the federal do not call lists


I can't remember the process that occurs with each of these things, but I do remember that there was a lot of letter writing, phone calls and running around - each phone call will lead to more work!!! And it IS a HUGE amount of work. I remember thinking thank god I was laid off and could do all of it quickly. Good Luck!

I also got an e-mail a while back from a friend of a friend in some Law Dept with advice to protect yourself. I'll forward that to you as well.


cont'd...

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Here's that E-mail message. Some of the tips you already have. But there are a few more.....KJ



ATTORNEY'S ADVICE

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice!

A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook 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.

2. 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.

3. 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. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

4. 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:

1. 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

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).

But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do this).

3. 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

Shred all your personal/financial info before throwing it away. There are people that actually rummage through trash looking for vital info and those credit card offers.

You don't need a phone number on your checks anymore. It doesn't take too much info to generate more credit. We used to need it when writing checks all over town - we use debits now, so the phone number is no longer necessary.

Don't use your ss# on your drivers license (have the DMV issue you an S# instead).

Make sure your credit card and ATM limits are amounts you can handle. The bank routinely ups them. Keep your daily ATM amount low to avoid being cashed out. Keeping your credit card limit low will keep you from being robbed too much, but is also better on your credit rating. You can always temporarily up your limit (say during Christmas or vacation).

If you don't have a passport, get it before someone else does in your name.

Only take the necessary documentation/financial devices with you when you go out. Leave the rest in a safe/hidden place at home or in a safe deposit box. NEVER carry your passport, social security card or birth certificate unless necessary!

Request an ID verification requirement on credit card & debit purchases with your bank. This will send the merchant an approval but a verify ID message whenever your credit card or debit card is used. Yes this means you'll have to flash your ID when you make purchases, but so will a thief.

Take advantage of your free yearly credit report. Get it and check it for accuracy. Also use it to improve your financial info. To much credit is bad! Banks have done a great job at convincing us that we need credit - we do not! Just a good credit history. If you have that (no matter how old) CLOSE everything you don't use and eliminate redundant cards.

Don't just file this info, do it, if you haven't already. The fraud alert can be done at anytime (regardless of a theft).




I didn't reread any of this...just wanted to post, so sorry if this is a repeat...but one of the best pieces of advice I got after all this was from a friend:

Don't carry anything with you that you don't need while you are out...she showed me how to avoid a purse and to just take out with me the $5 for lunch, or the license for the drive, or the card for the purchase, or whatever...it also helped me to curb spur of the moment purchases too! But now when I go out, I don't carry a purse. Whatever I need, cash, card, license even my house key, goes in my pocket...like a guy does!

Put your keys on seperate rings: car, house, office, whatever and only bring the ONES you NEED...like when you leave your house you don't need your front door key, your back door key and the basement key, or whatever...you only need to bring enough with you to get back in...

And if you should lose your keys and your ID...make sure that you change your locks too!!!!

[JungleWoman]

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook 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.

We do this one--- but I have to let you know, the banks dont pay close enough attention to that sort of thing. You would be the one who would have to identify the check and say "Hey, this isnt my signiture!"

Also, MANY places like walmart and many grocery stores hand the checks back now after they run them thru the machine-- like an automatic debit. Less paperwork for them.

I wonder if there's a way to print "SEE PHOTO ID" or something like that on the checks.

Sorry to hear of your bum deal of a Christmas present AKF :(

[JungleWoman]

Oh-- as far as the bank not checking your stuff---

When I was going thru register training at my old job, our trainer was telling us about how she had sent her house payment in the wrong envelope to the her credit card company.

They processed the amount, and SO DID THE BANK even though the name of the Credit Card Company did not match the name the check was written to. So, its not likely the bank will catch everything that goes by them like that. Keep an eye on your records!

Thru my bank, we have photocopies of every check scanned into their system and you can view/print them online. They actually dont send them back to us anymore (which I like a whole lot better than having a whole pile of cancelled checks hanging around the house)

[MomOTwins]

Had my purse stolen while at work many years ago. Someone walked into my office in the lab, dug through my desk, found the wallet, and then kindly closed up the office for me.

I raced around like a maniac to get all those cards cancelled, then the Security guard found my wallet in the closest ladies' room, with only the cash missing. What a pain to then have to call everyone back and explain why I didn't need the replacements after all. Ended up that I just gave up after the first long explanation, as the credit card company asked me how they knew I was who I said I was when I called back, as I could have been the thief telling them that everything was OK and they didn't need to cancel the cards. Duh...I had never thought about that!

Good luck in the "restoring my identity" project. It'll take time, but you'll feel sooooo much better (and safer) after you are done.

P.S. Just in case you are lazy like me and have too many numbers to remember and not enough brain cells to keep track - try to remember if you had noted any passwords or passcodes on scrap paper in your wallet. Yep, I had a bad habit of putting my bank card passcode on another card's little storage envelope. Good thing they hadn't taken my bank card!

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Ya this was pre-electronic check processing, so there may be a couple other things on the list that don't work so well anymore.

We don't even use checks anymore so maybe that's a good suggestion. Just eliminate that one from the list of crap to manage, if you can, ya know.

Also we don't have credit cards either. Nor do we have a money tree, but we have one small line of credit with the back and when we need more than what we have on hand, we just transfer it over.

It certainly makes things a LOT less risky!

[RathyKay]

(((Hugs))) I hope it doesn't turn into too big of a mess for you. I carry a small wallet in my pocket... just like a man, except I carry it in my front pocket. Car keys are in the other pocket. My cell phone fits in the little front change pocket. My purse was only used for pencils, paper, maxi pads, calculator - bulky type items. I quit my job before Samantha was born and I haven't carried a purse regularly since. I have started wearing a fanny pack recently. It's a big one that can hold Tom's Diastat (anti-seizure med). It also has snacks in it. I only wear it when I leave the house. The stuff in my pockets stays all day.

Anyway, I hope today is a better day.

[AKF]

That's a lot of good info. Most of it I've already done, but the thing with the check fraud--I'll take care of that today.

DH is taking my van in today to get the window replaced. They had to order it. Kevin will be happy he doesn't have to share his truck with me anymore!! So will I. I miss my electric door locks!

I went and got a duplicate drivers license and then realized that I have nowhere to put it! I've got to go get a cheap wallet. I think I'll have DH get me a nice purse and wallet for Christmas. (to go with the new window I'm getting! and I got new brakes a couple of weeks ago!!)

I hope all this info helps somebody else. I'm going to print it out for my friends to have.

[JungleWoman]

See, if DH got you a nice Louis Vitton purse, you'd be less likely to leave that farther than 2 inches from your hands.

That might be a good arguement to get something super over the top LOL!

[MomOTwins]

Something with mink lining and maybe some gold or diamond chips on the clasp? Boy, I'd go for an understated (but expensive) Coach bag, but I try to keep well under the purse-grabber radar screen! My current bag is sooo big that I look like I carry a diaper bag. However, it hasn't been stolen!

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

I know you guys are half joking, but I had to just warn you...I had myself a nice coach bag sitting right beside me at a nice restaraunt when my wallet was stolen right out of it!

A nice bag tells a theif that there is good pickins inside and worth the risk!

The best you could do, if you need to carry a bag, is make it a brown bag, no one will take that! Or even think to look in it! :D

I still use my diaper bag (it's a backpack type) to put snacks & stuff in...but still NOTHING of value goes into it!!

If you must carry something, make it cheap and poor looking...save the nice stuff for when you have a special night out or whatever.

[JungleWoman]

know what I ACTUALLY do?

I dont carry any more than what will fit in a metal cigarette case and I keep it in my pocket. (ok sometimes I keep it in my bra when I dont have pockets...)

i dont smoke, but people arent usually after your cigs! And I dont carry my checkbook anywhere-- i mainly use that for bills I send off-- and I put those bills in a blue mailbox in front of the post office rather than my own. I live in the meth capital of the country *NOT KIDDING* people will steal ANYTHING!

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Clever! ;)

[AKF]

I usually try to fit things into pockets--hence the purse being in the van!!

And while it's nice to dream about an expensive purse, I'd end up losing it somewhere. Right now I've got a few things stuffed into one of my daughter's purses.

JW-sad about not being able to mail anything from your box. We have a P.O. box, so we mail everything at the post office or from work.