Four major credit bureaus in the US (Equifax, etc.) will be allowed to release credit info, mailing addresses, phone numbers, etc. to ANYONE who requests it.

If you do not want to be included in the release of your personal credit information, you can call 888.567.8688.

Once the message starts, you will want option # 2 (even though option # 1 refers to this email, push # 2) and then option # 2.

Be sure to listen closely, the first option is only for a two-year period.

Make sure you wait until they prompt for the option, which opts you out FOREVER.

You should receive their paperwork in the mail confirming the “opting out” in less than one week after making the call.

The following was passed on to me from a reliable source.

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. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put “PHOTO ID REQUIRED.”

3. 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 will not have access to it.

4. 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, however, if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. 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 our wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling either here or abroad. We have all heard horror stories about fraud that is committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

6. When you check out of a hotel that uses cards for keys (and they all seem to do that now), do not turn the “keys” in. Take them with you and destroy them. Those little cards have on them all of the information you gave the hotel, including address and credit card numbers and expiration dates. Someone with a card reader, or employee of the hotel, can access all that information with no problem whatsoever.

7. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. 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.

8. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). However, here is what is perhaps most important of all (I never even thought to do this.)

9. 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.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet and contents being stolen:

1.) Equifax: 800.525.6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 888.397.3742
3.) TransUnion: 800.680.7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 800.269.0271

In 2-3 weeks, cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls - and you will be charged for these calls.

Call this number from your cell phone 888.382.1222 or register on-line at www.donotcall.gov.

It is the national DO NOT CALL list. It only takes a minute of your time and it blocks your number for 5 years.

Please pass this on to everyone you know who may be interested.

I just read an interesting article called Stop the Junk Mail so I’m including some of the tips here.

Call the Credit Reporting Industry Pre-Screening at 888.567.8688 to remove your contact information from the lists for preapproved credit card solicitations of four major credit bureaus. It’s recommended by Consumers Reports.

If you sign up with Direct Marketing Assoc.’s Mail Preference Service in about 3 months you’ll see a decrease in direct-mail marketing.

Register online at www.dmaconsumers.org. They charge to register you online but it’s FREE if you printout the form and mail it in.

Many homeowners leave their home for extended periods while they are on vacation. The FBI recommends taking extra safety precautions during the summer months, when most residential break-ins occur.

Turn off your computer, disconnect it from the Internet and discourage hackers with a password or firewall.

Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail, so identity thieves do not find credit card and bank statements in your mailbox.

Have your newspaper subscription held until you return, and leave a vehicle parked in the driveway.
Secure your fine jewelry and important documents in a safe deposit box at the bank instead of in a locked desk drawer at home.

Do not leave valuable objects of art or expensive electronic equipment in view of open windows to tempt burglars.

Lock every door with a deadbolt, and place metal bars or sturdy wooden dowels in the track of sliding glass doors to prevent them from being forced open.

Consider installing an electronic security system that automatically turns lights on and off and opens and closes window coverings at pre-timed intervals.

Taking these precautions will give you peace of mind while you enjoy your vacation.

Lastly, for added peace of mind consider using the services of one of our Ridgefield House Checkers