ATTORNEY’S ADVICE – NO CHARGE! Part 1 of 2
account number on the ‘memo’ line. Instead, just put the last four digits. 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.
3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your social security number printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if it always appears on your checks, anyone can get it.
4. Copy the contents of your wallet — both sides of each license, credit card, etc. Keep the copy in a safe place. You will know what you had in your wallet, as well as all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call should your wallet ever be lost or stolen.
5. Carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad. We have all heard horror stories about fraud that is committed by stealing a name, address, social security number, or other information.
Our next post will detail what to do if your wallet is lost or stolen.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of identity theft and there are questions about what laws apply, e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555).