Lose Your Wallet? You Could Lose Much More
Did you know that most adults don’t know what’s in their wallets? Do you? Without looking, compile a list of everything you’re carrying. Now inventory your wallet and see what you missed.
If your wallet was lost or stolen, you would have to make quick calls to card issuers to minimize the risk of potential fraud. Now’s the time to prepare. Compile account numbers and the numbers to call to report your missing cards. Either photocopy your credit and debit cards and contact information or simply make a list. If you photocopy your cards, remember to black out the three-digit security code located in the signature panel to prevent anyone from using your card number to make purchases by phone or Internet.
Keep the list or photocopies in a safe, readily accessible place. A safe deposit box is probably not a good choice. You might need to get to it at night or on a weekend. If traveling, simply take a list of the toll-free numbers for the credit card companies and keep the list in a safe place – other than your wallet.
Suspect ID Theft?
Even by taking swift action, you still run the risk of someone opening accounts in your name and running up thousands of dollars in debt. If identity theft does hit you, strike back. Make sure you do the following:
Call one of the three credit reporting agencies and place a fraud alert on your file. Each agency should report your loss to the other two.
- Equifax: 800.525.6285
- Experian: 888.397.3742
- TransUnion: 800.680.7289
Order and monitor your credit report. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the agencies listed above. You can obtain your copy by accessing annualcreditreport.com or calling 877.FACTACT (877.322.8228). Dispute any accounts or inquiries into your credit that were not initiated by you.
Review your financial statements carefully and report any unauthorized transactions. PSECU members who use psecu@home® online account access can sign up for e-Alerts to receive an e-mail or text message whenever a PSECU Visa® Capitol Card® or PSECU Check Card transaction occurs.
File a police report and maintain a log of whom you spoke to. You may also want to contact your homeowner’s insurance company to see whether your policy provides identity theft coverage.
Quick Tips to Reduce Fraud Risk
A thief needs only four pieces of information to steal an identity: full name; Social Security number; date of birth; and home address.
- Never carry your Social Security card, birth certificate, account numbers or Personal Identification Numbers (PINs).
- Don’t request that your driver’s license number or Social Security number be imprinted on your checks.
- Don’t take your wallet out until you need it. It’s too easy to forget it lying on a cash register, tabletop or even the booth seat.
Before your next shopping trip or night on the town, take a proactive approach to protecting yourself from identity theft. Minimize the items in your wallet and carry only what you need from day to day. Inventory and record your information and keep the record in a safe place. Remember, a thief who steals your wallet can also steal your identity – why provide the tools?
For additional security tips and information on the latest phone and Internet scams, please go to our Security Center.