February 10, 2009

A Public Service Message from the CR Salmon

Every so often a chain letter lands in the inbox that actually offers some sound advise instead of Viagra and instant riches for you and your 10 best friends.

The Wallet:
The bedrock of our economic well being, our file cabinet, and in some cases the only evidence of our entire existence. Folded up into four square inches of cowhide and stored just inches from our... OK you get the picture. How many have had that sinking feeling, that flash of panic, as you reach into your back pocket and find nothing there except your right cheek. After you go though the ten stages of grief for you recent loss, now what do you do?


Plan Ahead:
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. (NOT IN YOUR WALLET MORONS!)

Limit the damage:
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. (If you enlarge the photocopy the numbers should be readable)

Cover Your Ass:
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.




Thx Rick.

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