"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

• Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, write 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED’ in the signature space.
• When paying your credit card by check only put the last four numbers on the memo line. This way anyone handling your check as it is processed, will not have access to the credit card number.
• Do not put your home phone number or home address on your check. Put your work contact information on it instead.
• Photo copy all information in your wallet keeping this information, as well as the account phone numbers to call and cancel, in a safe place.
• File a police report immediately in the area where your credit cards, etc. were stolen. This is the first step toward an investigation.
• Call the three national credit reporting organizations and the Social Security fraud number immediately to place a fraud alert. This will notify any company that checks your credit that your information was stolen. The company will be contacting you by phone before authorizing any new credit.
• After reporting identity theft to the credit card companies the credit hold is only good for 90 days. It is worthwhile to have long term credit checks placed on your social security number.

Legislator Judy Jacobs Advises How to Limit the Pain of Identity Theft

Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs warns residents to protect themselves from the panic, confusion, and inconvenience experienced after becoming the victim of fraud and identity theft. Simple precautionary steps can make a difference.