Credit ID Theft   (Some steps that may help)

Adapted from "An ATTORNEY'S ADVICE" - Advice from a corporate Attorney that was victimized....  (Originally there were 7 steps, however, an added step regarding adding passwords to accounts... was placed after the original step 4 and the rest were re-numbered.) For reference: make a copy of this page, (or send the page by email) for friends, etc. 

BEFORE a problem "happens," take steps 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5....  (Avoid Procrastination!)
1 - DO NOT Sign the back of credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED" where your signature goes!
2 - DO NOT put a complete account number on the "For" line when you are writing checks to pay your credit card Accounts!  Instead, just put the last four numbers.  The credit card company will  know the rest of the number, but those handling your check won't...!
3 - DO Put your WORK (or cell phone) # 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 a PO Box, use your work address. Never,  have your SS# printed on your checks!  You can write it on the check ONLY if it is "required"  BUT then, write it SMALL & make it Really Hard to Read...   Remember, if you have it printed on, then anyone can get it.
4 - DO Place the critical contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do BOTH sides of each license, credit card, etc.  You will THEN know what you had in your wallet AND all of the account numbers AND You will have the PHONE #s to Call and cancel!  (Do NOT bother with store discount cards, etc.)  Keep the photocopy in a VERY safe place.   You may also save the copy as a scanned-in "encrypted file," if you are a techie!  Also DO carry a Photocopy of your passport when traveling either at home or abroad.  We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit card, etc.   So Never, (regularly) carry your SS Card with you or your Medicare card (if it has your SS# on it),  unless you ABSOLUTELY need to!   Unfortunately, the attorney, had firsthand knowledge because his Wallet was stolen. Within a week, the thieves 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 the driving record information online, and more.  (Ouch!)
5 - (This is the added step:) You may be able to START implementing this with your accounts.   CALL them, and ask to add "Password Protection" to your accounts   Check with your lenders, utilities,  etc...   If you can add either a Secret Name or Number, that ONLY YOU (and they), will know, to help protect you!  You might "share" this with your one of your most Trusted Friends (Wife, Mom, Dad, Etc.)   If you have no trusted person keep it secret!   The bottom line is: Stop thieves from "switching things!"

Now here's what to do if / WHEN there is a "problem" to limit the damage: These are Steps # 6 -8   (Previously numbered as, # 5 -7 )
6 -  In the PAST we have always been advised to cancel our credit cards immediately! But the REAL 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.  (SEE step #4 above, and THEN Do NOT Forget To DO STEP # 4...)
7 -  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).

But the next thing is perhaps THE Most Important thing to do:

8 -  Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations Immediately ( listed below) to place a fraud alert on your name!  Plus call the Social Security Fraud line number!   A Bank advised doing this when they called to tell us that an application for credit was made over The Internet in our name.    If an Attack Happens, ACT and ACT FAST! ! !  (Remember, that Procrastination is a killer...)  A credit alert means any company that checks your Credit knows that they have to contact YOU by Phone (not the crooks) to authorize any new credit.   Remember your "HOME" or private Phone # should NOT Known and be easily bypassable by the thieves.   Those alert calls MUST reach YOU, Not Them!   Keep that phone number out of their arsenal!  Just put put a "FREEZE" on your accounts.
By the time "the ATTORNEY"  was advised to do this last thing, almost two weeks had passed after the theft, and all the damage had been done. There are many records of the "New" Credit "checks" initiated by the thieves for purchases.   None of these were known about by the attorney before he placed the alert. Since then, no additional damage was done, and the thieves threw the wallet away (and someone turned it in).  They were stopped dead in their tracks. . .   It is time that You too are ready to STOP THEM DEAD! 
Here are the FOUR numbers you always need to contact when you think your wallet, ID, etc., has been stolen:   (copy them, cut and paste them into emails and send them to your family of friends...

1.) Equifax: 800-525-6285

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

3.) Trans Union: 800-680-7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):800-269-0271
If you are willing to pass this information along, it may help someone!   The above Phone #s were verified, in Jan., 2010