During a time of crisis we may find ourselves suddenly thrust into a world that is very much different than the life we knew before. It is easy to become overwhelmed at such a time. Our attention may be split, day-to-day details can fall by the wayside — and this can leave us vulnerable to those who look to take advantage of the situation.
With the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent publication of the names, telephone numbers, and cities of residence of those who are missing, PrepareRespondRecover.com is issuing a caution and suggesting that family members contact Charge and Credit Card companies and Credit Reporting Agencies to notify them of the situation and, if available, place a Fraud Alert on credit accounts.
A Fraud Alert will flag the account and let anyone considering granting new credit — possibly at the request of an identity thief — that they should proceed with caution. The credit-granting company should then request additional identification from the individual seeking credit. You can also ask that any request for credit be confirmed by you before a new account is opened.
For future reference, be sure that you keep a log with the date, company name, telephone number, and full name or ID number of the representative you spoke with when you requested the Fraud Alert.
Important Notes:Fraud Alert is not the same as reporting a card Lost or Stolen.
Be aware that reporting a card Lost or Stolen will likely result in the Charge or Credit account being frozen.
For more information or to request a Fraud Alert, call your Credit Card issuer at the number found on your statement or at the following numbers and call the Credit-Reporting Agencies as follows:
| Credit Issuer | Fraud Alert Telephone Number |
| American Express | (800) 528-2121
(800) 441-0519*
*You can also call this number
for American Express Card Replacement |
| Capital One | (800) 955-7070 |
| MasterCard International | Contact the issuing bank directly |
| Visa | Contact the issuing bank directly |
| |
| Credit Reporting Agency | Telephone Number |
| Equifax | (800) 525-6285 |
| Experian | (888) 397-3742 Option 4
Dial carefully; area code is 888; 800 number belongs to a company marketing services to people who think they have called Experian |
| TransUnion | (800) 680-7289 |
