Yes, this is off topic, but we are all impacted by this, especially since we
tromp around in the woods and could loose a wallet or have the car broken into
while out letterboxing.

Got this from a friend, thought it had some good advice.
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This is good to know!
A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
I pass it along, for your information.

The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first
name) and last name put on them.
If someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign your checks
with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign
your checks.

Put your work 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 add it
if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of
each license, credit card, etc. 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. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I
travel either here or abroad.

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing
a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.

Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was
stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) 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 my driving
record information on-line, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens
to you or someone you know 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. Keep those where you can find them easily.

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen,
this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an
investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do this)
Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a
fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing
that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit
was made over the Internet in my name. 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. By the time I was advised to do this, almost
two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.

There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases,
none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional
damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend
(someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

The numbers are:
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
We pass along jokes; we pass along just about everything.
Do think about passing this information along.
It could really help someone you care about.