It all began with an e-mail about credit fraud from my friend Denise.

    "Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine," the e-mail said.  "Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc.  Then you will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel them." 

    The e-mail explained that it had been originally written by a lawyer who’s wallet was stolen by thieves who used his name, address, social security number and credit cards to ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, apply for more credit cards, buy a computer on credit, and to get a PIN number from the DMV so they could change the lawyer's driving record information online.  The e-mail explained how I could avoid this happening to me:

    "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.  File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your wallet is stolen.  This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation.  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 company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.  I was not advised of this for two weeks and by that time, all the damage had been done,"  the lawyer’s e-mail had said.

    Not being the type to sit on information, I took immediate action.  I called the three credit reporting services as soon as I got Denise’s e-mail.  Then I called to cancel all of my credit cards.  I took the cards to the office where I photocopied them, then to be safe, I cut all the cards in half and photocopied the halves so I would have a record.

    I haven’t been able to use my credit cards since then, but it is worth that small inconvenience to prevent fraud.  I’ve also noticed, since reporting fraud to the three credit services, I haven’t been able to cash a check even at my own bank.  This means the only way I have to pay bills and buy things is with cash.  I became concerned about that too, so I had color photocopies made of all my cash and then I cut the original bills in half.  That way I have a record and no one can commit fraud with my cash.

    I was also able to cancel my drivers license.  I never would have thought of that on my own.  Unfortunately I got a ticket for driving without a license.  I can’t figure out how to pay the fine.  But this will all be worthwhile if it helps prevent fraud.

    I don’t really understand why all of these precautions are necessary, but I’m just following Denise’s instructions on blind faith.  It seems to be working out.  At this point, my credit, my finances and my life are so screwed up that nobody in their right mind would even consider stealing my wallet.

-- Horace J. Digby