It happened to my wife. A few years ago, she had her purse hanging on the back of her chair at a restaurant, and when she went to pay the bill, it wasnÂ’t there anymore. Someone took it.
No one saw who took it. And it had her entire life in it—checkbook, credit cards, license, Blackberry, cellphone, and all sorts of business cards and receipts with personal information. Luckily, per my earlier request, she did not carry her Social Security number.
Little did she know the work that she and I would have to do to protect her identity from this criminal. With access to all that personal information, this criminal could of had a hay-day if we did not know what to do.
Here is what to do if your purse is stolen
• Call all credit card and debit card issuers
• Call the local police and open a police report for your missing property
• Call the three major credit reporting agencies and freeze your accounts
• Contact your bank’s fraud department and discuss options for protecting your account
• Check your credit reports – a lot – and watch for suspicious activity
• Report your missing driver’s license to the DMV
• Replace the locks on your house and your car if your keys have been stolen
• Write down everything that you had in your wallet, even makeup.
• Consider enrolling with an identity theft protection company
Of course, there are numerous other things you can do to protect yourself and save some steps in the event this ever happens.
• Make copies of the front and back of all your cards in your wallet and purse on a regular basis. This ensures that you have the numbers readily available and the phone numbers to call if the cards are ever stolen.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report. That way, if anyone tries to open credit cards or bank loans under your name, you will be contacted for verification.
• Never keep social security numbers or copies of birth certificates with you. Lock them in a safe and keep those at home.
• Never leave your purse or wallet unattended in a public place.
These may all seem like obvious steps to take to protect your identity, but you’d be surprised at how many people fail to follow these simple instructions. Don’t be one of them—stay on top of your identity and protect it at all times. The damage that can be done takes longer to fix than preventing the activity in the first place.
Gary P Grant is an identity theft expert who enjoys contributing articles to various websites and venues that share his passion for public education in regards to identity theft and identity theft protection. Go here for more information if you end of with a Stolen Wallet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Grant
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Coupon Organizer Divider Index Cards 125 LB Stock 24ea $4.99 24 durable cards with tabs, made from 125# card stock that make it easy to locate your coupon category. It also comes with 24 alphabetized, numbered labels to make your coupons easy to file and easy to find!… |
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500 CLEAR Reclosable Zipper Bag. 2” x 3” – 2 mil thick $1.65 500 New Resealable Plastic Bags . These high quality reclosable plastic bags allow you to have the bags you use most on hand. The reclosable seals open all the way to the edges of the bags giving you full use of the interior. Each has a 2 mil thickness and measures approximately 2″ x 3″… |
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SE 11 Function Credit Card Size Survival Pocket Tool $0.01 This credit card-size multi-function survival tool includes a can opener, knife edge, screwdriver, ruler, cap opener, 4-position wrench, butterfly screw wrench, saw blade, direction ancillary wrench, 2-position wrench, and a keychain hole. Comes with a pouch…. |
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Master Lock 7120D Locking Security Bag, Blue, 10 x 8-5/8 x 1-7/8 $17.13 Safely carry cash, jewelry and confidential documents; Water resistant nylon; Built in high security lock… |
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Skip Hop Pronto Diaper Changer Kit The Pronto is our portable diapering essentials kit that ensures that baby is always clean, dry and happy, and that mom and dad are always prepared. Drop it in any bag, strap it to your wrist or clip it to your stroller and youre good to go! With loads of features, our Pronto is a favorite of moms and dads everywhere. Its extra-wide mod changing pad wipes clean, and the head area is cushioned wi… |
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Leather CPR Leather Cleaner / Conditioner $7.97 Leather CPR has the Queen of Clean Seal of Approval! She quotes “It is without a doubt the best leather cleaner I have ever found.”Leather CPR conditions and cleans all type of leather, except suede. Leather CPR can be used on leather furniture, car seats, purses and bags, shoes, regardless of color! Watch our video! Features: ? Perfect for softening leather. ? Non greasy natural lanolin. ? Leaves… |
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November 8, 2004
Coach