Useful Information For Expats

[corkscrew]

This is advice...not from me....but from someone I know.

LOST CREDIT CARDS OR WALLET

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy 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.

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed us in your name, address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately I (the author of this piece who happens to be an attorney) have first hand knowledge, because my wallet was stolen last month and within a week the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information on line, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises, cancel your 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. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, 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 (I never ever thought to do this): Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#.

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. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost 2 weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.

There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

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

[sonthaya]

Leave your wallet in the hotel safe, and only take the cash you need

[bartender100]

Very,very good advice,and a reminder to the complacent.I wonder how many don,t even have a photo copy of there passport.

[tutsiwarrior]

folks should be aware that a lost US passport is 'merchantable' goods and that a replacement will not be directly forthcoming unless you have a police report to confirm the circumstances. Make copies now, including the immigration entry stamp and keep the original locked up.

[natee1]

Sorry, are the phonenumbers for Thailand or US ?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

This is advice...not from me....but from someone I know.

LOST CREDIT CARDS OR WALLET

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy 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.

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed us in your name, address, SS#, credit, etc. Unfortunately I (the author of this piece who happens to be an attorney) have first hand knowledge, because my wallet was stolen last month and within a week the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information on line, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises, cancel your 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. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, 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 (I never ever thought to do this): Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#.

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. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost 2 weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.

There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

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

Sorry about your loss and problems, but your post is valid and very useful information to the membership at thaivisa. Many thanks.

[maerim]

I had never heard of doing that

Some lawyer!

So the biter got bit,looks like it might not be a bad after all.

[corkscrew]

Sorry, are the phonenumbers for Thailand or US ?

They are US numbers.

[qwertyuiop]

This is certainly a problem.

For Americans but also those who might require a general guide as to what to do in this case try the website of the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). They have a multi page guide as to what to do in such situations including the telephone numbers lited above. - very informative

I had reason to call the FTC over a similar matter of Identity theft and the lady on the help line was extremely helpful and sympathetic.

She also informed me that it happened to 34 million Americans last year.

Do not think that it wil not happen to you ever or that stealing your wallet is the only way it can happen.

It is recommended that you request a copy of your credit report at least annually to verify the information. The cost can not be more than 9.95 usd i believe by law . Although the agencies will try to sell you all sorts of packages and 'value-added' services.

If you think that you are the victim of fraud or some other situations they are obliged to provide it free of charge