To protect yourself from identity theft, place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. Thus, if your wallet is lost or stolen you will know all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. (Keep the photocopy in a safe place, of course.)
The key is having the toll-free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. If theft was involved, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent and will help start the investigation.
Perhaps most important, call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. In case an application for credit is made over the Internet, in your name, any company that checks your credit will know your information was stolen so they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. The numbers are: Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; Experian (formerly TRW), 1-888-397-3742; Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289. Also, call the Social Security Administration’s fraud line at 1-800-269-0271.
