FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Law Office of Clay Cauley, Sr., is committed to providing timely information that may be used as you go about your daily lives. The information given below is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice. The Law Office of Clay Cauley, Sr., tries to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of writing; however, we give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of any of the contents.

Personal Information Safety Guide
Placeholder Image Please read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday.

1. When you go to sign your new credit/debit card, leave a little room after your signature and write "See ID", on the white strip on the back of your credit/debit card. This little extra step may stop a thief from illegally using your card. You may even try writing the "See ID" in a different color ink, to draw extra attention.

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put 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.

3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have PO Box, use your work address.

4. Never print your Social Security number on your checks, business cards, address labels or other identifying information.

5. Make a photocopy of all the contents of your wallet. Be sure to copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. This way, 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.

6. Carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed by stealing a name, address, Social Security number, and credit cards.



Here is some critical information to limit the potential damage caused in case you or someone you know has something stolen:

1. 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. Always keep those where you can find them.

2. 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.

3. 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. 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. It seems to have stop thieves dead in their tracks.



Below are the numbers you always need to contact if your wallet/checkbook has been stolen:

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

Please feel free to share this information with your love ones.