Tips for Protecting Your Identity from Identity Theft

• Instead of signing the back of your credit cards, write: “Photo ID required.”
   
• When ordering checks, have only your initials (instead of your first name) and your last name put on them. If someone steals your checkbook, they will not know how you sign your checks, but your bank will know.
   
• When writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, put only the last four digits of your account number on the “For” line.
   
• If putting a phone number on your checks, use your work phone number.
  
• If you have one, use a P.O. Box instead of your home address.
   
• Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
   
• Photocopy the contents of your wallet at least once a year. Makes copies of both sides of each license, credit card, etc. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will have great documentation to notify the credit card companies and have licenses replaced.
   
• If your wallet is lost or stolen, follow these instructions:
  • Cancel your credit cards immediately. If you made photocopies as suggested above, you should have the numbers to contact your credit card companies.
     
  • File a police report immediately. This may provide valuable documentation to your credit providers and show that you acted responsibly in the event your ID falls into criminal hands.
     
  • Report the theft of your wallet to the three national credit reporting organiza¬tions as well as the Social Security Administration. By alerting the credit bureaus, they will contact you any time anyone attempts to establish a new line of credit. The numbers to contact are:

  Equifax 1-800-525-6285
  TRW-Experian 1-888-397-3742
  Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
  Social Security Administration Fraud Line 1-800-269-0271

• Finally, we strongly suggest that you protect your identity by purchasing an Identity Theft Endorsement with your Personal Lines Package. This coverage is inexpensive--less than $35 per year--and provides reimbursement for expenses and even lost wages in some cases while reestablishing your credit and identity after it has been stolen and violated. For more information or a quote on adding this to your insurance protection program, contact Burkart-Heisdorf Insurance today.