Personal security – Don’t be a victim!

For years, I have refused to sign the back of my credit card. The exemplar would give a thief my signature which could then be copied on other documents.

Today, I received a listing of tips from my bank about personal security … AND they agree with me. Don’t sign the back of your credit card. Instead, write “Photo ID Required.”

Other tips:
1. When you check out of a hotel that uses cards for room keys, do not return the “keys”! Take them with you and destroy them. Those key cards contain all of the information you gave the hotel, including address, credit card numbers and expiration dates! Someone with a card reader, or an employee of the hotel, can access all that informatin with no problem whatsoever!

2. When writing a check to pay for your credit card account, write only the last 4 digits on your check, not the complete account number.

3. Never put your social security number on a check. If anything, only the last 4 digits.

4. Make a copy of all documents and cards that are in your wallet; keep the copies in a safe place. Should you lose your wallet, you will know exactly what was lost and who to contact.

5. If credit cards or checks are stolen, do the following:
a. Cancel your cards or checks immediately;
b. File a police report in the jurisdiction where lost/stolen;
c. Call the 3 national credit reporting agencies to place “fraud alerts” on your name and social security number:

Equifax: (800) 525-6285
Experian: (888) 397-3742
TransUnion: (800) 680-7289
SS Admin
(fraud line) (800) 269-0271

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