Travel Tips

** 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 your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.
Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

** Carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad.
Place a copy of your passport in each piece of your luggage.

** We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

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

If you travel abroad, make sure you have a telephone # to the fraud department of your bank that will accept collect calls.

** File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, (hard to do if your abroad).  
This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

** But here's what is perhaps most important:
Call the three national credit-reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number.

The alert means any time someone tries to apply for new credit in your name, the company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and 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
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271