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Editor’s Note: Though, like most of you, we hate those chain e-mails, occasionally (though very rarely) a worthwhile one finds its way to our inbox.  We have no idea who wrote this one, but the ideas are sound ones for protecting yourself from identity theft.  Take a look to see if there is something here that makes sense and which you could use . . . .

Protecting Against Identity Theft:  Some Things You Can Do Right Now

• The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name put on them.  (e.g., J. K. Rowling).  If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
• Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED.”  Yes, you will have to show ID every time you use your credit card, but so will the thief.
• When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, put just the last four numbers. 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 won't have access to it.
• Put your work phone # 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 SS# printed on your checks.(DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
• Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc.  If you lose or have stolen your wallet, 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.  It is also a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

When a wallet is stolen, it does not take long for the thieves to do serious damage. One person tells of having his wallet stolen and within a week the thieve(s) had ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, gotten a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, and received a PIN number from the DMV to change the owners driving record information online.  Here are some things you can do 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 (You photocopied your wallet contents, didn’t you?).
• 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 three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. This is very important.  The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and cannot authorize new credit unless they have contacted you by phone.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

Our law offices are located at:

150 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2600
Chicago, Illinois 60606