When you order checks, have your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. The thief won't know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will!

Don't sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED."

When writing checks to pay 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!

Never have your social security number printed on your checks!

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will have a record of the contents of your wallet, and the account and phone numbers to call to cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
To limit damage in case your wallet is stolen or lost:

Cancel your your credit cards immediately. You can use the toll free numbers and credit card numbers from the photocopy you made of your wallet contents.

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This will prove to credit providers that you were diligent.

Call the national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number.

n Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

n Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

n Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289