This is another one of those viral e-mails. As I have said before, I would avoid having any dryer sheets in my home, but you might learn something useful here. When you check snopes.com, most of this is baloney...
1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them.
Baloney. If you have ants and have cleaned the area of the food that is attracting them, and caulked up all the holes where they enter, then you could try a spicy blend to keep them away (cinnamon, basil, pepper, spearmint). But who wants spices on the floors? Clean with vinegar, and the vinegar itself is a repellent!
2. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don’t get opened too often.
Well... It replaces the smell with its own, and who wants that petroleum sheen on everything? Here I would use baking soda. Sprinkle it between pages and leave open to air out. Then brush out the baking soda.
3. Repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet through a belt loop when you are outdoors.
Baloney. May even attract them. Again, you can make your own with herbs and essentials oils, but where do you find all that stuff? The best bet, although expensive, is lemon eucalyptus oil.
4. Eliminates static electricity from TV screen, wipe screen with a used sheet to keep dust from resettling.
Well, duh, it's used for static cling. But it will make the TV screen streaky. Try wiping with... vinegar!
5. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors by cleaning with a sheet.
Okay, may do the trick, but with elbow grease. Can use WD-40, but that's another petroleum product. Prevent soap scum from developing with regular vinegar clean-ups!
6. Freshen air in your home. Place a sheet in a drawer or hang in the closet.
Well... It replaces the smell with its own, and who wants that petroleum sheen on everything? Here I would use baking soda or cedar blocks.
7. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet before sewing.
Well... you can also run the thread across a wax candle, but do you really have that much of a problem with tangling?
8. Prevent musty suitcases. Place a sheet inside empty luggage before storing.
Well... It replaces the smell with its own, and who wants that petroleum sheen on everything? Here I would use baking soda.
9. Freshen air in your car. Place a sheet under front seat.
Well... It replaces the smell with its own, and who wants that petroleum sheen on everything? Here I would use baking soda.
10. Clean baked goods from pan. Put sheet in pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. Antistatic agent weakens bond.
Baloney. If you have a problem with things sticking to your baking pans, then invest in parchment to line baking sheets.
11. Eliminate odors in waste baskets, Place a sheet in bottom of basket.
Well... It replaces the smell with its own, and who wants that petroleum sheen on everything? Here I would use baking soda.
12. Collect cat hair.
Baloney. I would take a piece of packing tape, and put it sticky-side out around my hand. Then pat at the hair, while turning the tape to a clean area to capture more hair. Replace tape as needed.
13. Eliminate static electricity from venetian blinds. Wipe blinds with a sheet to prevent dust from resettling.
Well, duh, it's used for static cling. Try wiping with vinegar.
14. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sandpapering. A used sheet is like tack cloth.
Baloney. Use packing tape, or better yet, vacuum!
15. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place a sheet in bottom of laundry bag or hamper.
Well... It replaces the smell with its own, and who wants that petroleum sheen on everything? Here I would use baking soda, or do the laundry!
16. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet in your shoes overnight.
It replaces the smell with its own, and who wants that petroleum sheen on everything? Here I would use baking soda.
17. Golfers keep a sheet in their back pockets to keep the bees away.
Baloney. Leave the bees alone.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Criticizing
Back during my dark days of depression, everything irritated me. I remember criticizing your dad in front of you, with the purpose that you would learn what not to do or what you should do. We can't remember specifics (perhaps you can tell us what you remember!), but for example I would say he needed to help me more with housecleaning. My naive thought was that all the children would then learn to help their spouses/roommates more with housework.
This is wrong on so many counts!
Now, when hearing someone criticize another, I realized that what was really learned was that it is okay to criticize. Aargh! I know now it is NOT okay to criticize, at least in public! Oh, we can complain to our confidantes about the annoying behaviors of others, and vent our irritations to a close sibling, but we should hold our tongues in a public setting. And kids should not be privy to the troubles of their parents.
It is also "wrong" in that I was depressed and irritable, so no matter what your dad did, I was critical. If you find yourself being irritable, and wanting to complain about things (that didn't bother you at all in the past), look for the source of irritation. Of course, my clinical depression was then sorted out by medication, so I no longer was as irritable, nor as critical. (I fear I am naturally a critical person, though. But don't worry, the person of whom I am most critical is... myself.)
Even in my "normal times", I would occasionally start an argument with your dad. I eventually realized that we had a "fight" every time the night before your grandparents were to arrive for a visit. So my anxiety at the in-laws coming made me irritable and critical... (Now I am no longer anxious when they come!)
When I see others being critical, it appears "wrong" that they are making a big deal about some little thing that hardly matters. That's easy for me to say now, because when I was depressed, everything was a big deal. But if you feel like criticizing something, take a step back and ask if it really matters.
If it does matter, be specific. Needing more help with the housework doesn't give anyone a clue about what they can actually do. I have realized that no one can actually read my mind, and no one thinks like I do, so it's less likely they will be able to guess what I need.
And finally, can we make our criticism in a positive way? Maybe not, but starting out with a thanks for anything else that person does or means to you may help!
Dialog between men and women is another whole blog, but I can now say that I used to assume what your dad thought and felt and ... I was wrong!
It's odd how now I feel hurt whenever I see someone criticizing another in front of an audience ( I inwardly wince). Imagine how much hurt I was causing to everyone involved in the past! Je me regret! (I'm sorry, I regret it..)
This is wrong on so many counts!
Now, when hearing someone criticize another, I realized that what was really learned was that it is okay to criticize. Aargh! I know now it is NOT okay to criticize, at least in public! Oh, we can complain to our confidantes about the annoying behaviors of others, and vent our irritations to a close sibling, but we should hold our tongues in a public setting. And kids should not be privy to the troubles of their parents.
It is also "wrong" in that I was depressed and irritable, so no matter what your dad did, I was critical. If you find yourself being irritable, and wanting to complain about things (that didn't bother you at all in the past), look for the source of irritation. Of course, my clinical depression was then sorted out by medication, so I no longer was as irritable, nor as critical. (I fear I am naturally a critical person, though. But don't worry, the person of whom I am most critical is... myself.)
Even in my "normal times", I would occasionally start an argument with your dad. I eventually realized that we had a "fight" every time the night before your grandparents were to arrive for a visit. So my anxiety at the in-laws coming made me irritable and critical... (Now I am no longer anxious when they come!)
When I see others being critical, it appears "wrong" that they are making a big deal about some little thing that hardly matters. That's easy for me to say now, because when I was depressed, everything was a big deal. But if you feel like criticizing something, take a step back and ask if it really matters.
If it does matter, be specific. Needing more help with the housework doesn't give anyone a clue about what they can actually do. I have realized that no one can actually read my mind, and no one thinks like I do, so it's less likely they will be able to guess what I need.
And finally, can we make our criticism in a positive way? Maybe not, but starting out with a thanks for anything else that person does or means to you may help!
Dialog between men and women is another whole blog, but I can now say that I used to assume what your dad thought and felt and ... I was wrong!
It's odd how now I feel hurt whenever I see someone criticizing another in front of an audience ( I inwardly wince). Imagine how much hurt I was causing to everyone involved in the past! Je me regret! (I'm sorry, I regret it..)
Housecleaning 101
You know that I like to use vinegar (white distilled vinegar) and have already referenced the 1,001 Uses of Vinegar (http://www.vinegartips.com/Scripts/). It will disinfect, deodorize, and remove stains.
Housecleaning that is cheap, green, and healthy requires very little equipment. I use a rag, a rag towel, vinegar, baking soda, a Swiffer, and a vacuum cleaner! People don't realize that green-living saves not only the environment, but money as well!
The main principle of house cleaning is "from the top down". I could never understand seeing my girl scouts sweeping the floor before wiping off counters. They then had to sweep again. Start by wiping down ceiling light fixtures, ceiling fans, then window and door frames, tops of hanging picture frames and mirrors, then furniture. Vacuuming the floor should be last, after cleaning the baseboards!
Dusting: One of those microfiber "feather" dusters can do a temporary dusting, but a good dusting requires a damp cloth to wipe off the dust, and a clean cloth to wipe and "polish" the surface dry and to remove water spots. You can do this on polished wood, as well as counters, glass, porcelain, and chrome. Be sure to rinse the damp cloth often to remove dirt and dust, so that you aren't just swirling around the dust on your furniture. On surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, I will splash a little vinegar on the damp cloth to do the wiping. It has been suggested to fill a spray-bottle with equal parts water and vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner, and you may find this easier to do. I just don't want to dirty or even own another plastic bottle!
Windows: You could use that all-purpose cleaner bottle of equal parts water and vinegar, or fill another bottle with water and 1/4 cup vinegar to clean glass and mirrors. Hey, I just splash vinegar on a damp cloth and clean. Then wipe dry with newspaper for a streak-free finish.
I have three levels of housecleaning:
1) Manly cleaning means a swipe with the feather duster and vacuuming only the floor surfaces that I can see.
2) Regular cleaning means dusting with a damp rag and removing, cleaning and replacing all items on the dusted furniture. All funiture is moved to make sure every square inch of floor surface is vacuumed.
3) Spring cleaning means everything is removed from shelves, closets, drawers, etc., is cleaned, and is replaced only if it is to be kept. Things that have outlived their usefulness get taken to Goodwill, or trashed if no longer usable.
Of course, the actual housecleaning that gets done is a variant of all three levels!
Housecleaning that is cheap, green, and healthy requires very little equipment. I use a rag, a rag towel, vinegar, baking soda, a Swiffer, and a vacuum cleaner! People don't realize that green-living saves not only the environment, but money as well!
The main principle of house cleaning is "from the top down". I could never understand seeing my girl scouts sweeping the floor before wiping off counters. They then had to sweep again. Start by wiping down ceiling light fixtures, ceiling fans, then window and door frames, tops of hanging picture frames and mirrors, then furniture. Vacuuming the floor should be last, after cleaning the baseboards!
Dusting: One of those microfiber "feather" dusters can do a temporary dusting, but a good dusting requires a damp cloth to wipe off the dust, and a clean cloth to wipe and "polish" the surface dry and to remove water spots. You can do this on polished wood, as well as counters, glass, porcelain, and chrome. Be sure to rinse the damp cloth often to remove dirt and dust, so that you aren't just swirling around the dust on your furniture. On surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, I will splash a little vinegar on the damp cloth to do the wiping. It has been suggested to fill a spray-bottle with equal parts water and vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner, and you may find this easier to do. I just don't want to dirty or even own another plastic bottle!
Windows: You could use that all-purpose cleaner bottle of equal parts water and vinegar, or fill another bottle with water and 1/4 cup vinegar to clean glass and mirrors. Hey, I just splash vinegar on a damp cloth and clean. Then wipe dry with newspaper for a streak-free finish.
I have three levels of housecleaning:
1) Manly cleaning means a swipe with the feather duster and vacuuming only the floor surfaces that I can see.
2) Regular cleaning means dusting with a damp rag and removing, cleaning and replacing all items on the dusted furniture. All funiture is moved to make sure every square inch of floor surface is vacuumed.
3) Spring cleaning means everything is removed from shelves, closets, drawers, etc., is cleaned, and is replaced only if it is to be kept. Things that have outlived their usefulness get taken to Goodwill, or trashed if no longer usable.
Of course, the actual housecleaning that gets done is a variant of all three levels!
Laundry - Drying
Drying laundered clothing should be simple - right?
If time and space and homeowners' associations permit, hanging clothes on a line outdoors is the best! In terms of energy conservation and money, that is. The dried clothes may be a little stiff when dry, but should shake out easily. If not, you may be using too much laundry detergent.
Okay, most of us use the dryer.
1) Make sure clothes are not sopping wet. The better wrung-out the clothes are, the faster they will dry. Sometimes the last spin cycle on your washing machine needs to be repeated to get most of the water out of the clothes. The best thing about front-loading washing machines is that they do a great job of wringing out water. (And don't leave damp clothes in the washing machine too long, they may get musty and moldy.)
2) When transferring items from the washing machine to the dryer, shake them out. That tightly wadded and twisted sheet will not dry as fast as the one you shake open. And that pair of underpants wadded inside the twisted sheet probably won't dry at all!
3) It's best to remove things from the dryer as soon as the dryer is stopped. Immediately hanging and folding clothes minimizes wrinkles. But I think that is no longer a "must-do" in today's world.
4) Clean the lint trap after each load. You will see how much lint is accumulated. A film of lint prevents air circulation and slows the drying process. The dryer vent should also be cleaned periodically (annually) to keep the vent open to allow more efficient drying. I am not so worried about a possible fire if the vent is blocked, as I am of damp clothes, and the electricity being used as the dryer continues to run and run!
DRYER SHEETS or Bounce:
Do not use. There are many uses for Bounce sheets which can be another blog, but they should be avoided altogether. Just think of them as sheets soaked with petroleum, and that might make you stay away from them.
1) Fabric softener? If your clothes are coming out that stiff, it's because of too much soap or laundry detergent. Cut back on the amount you use. Washing clothes is more about the tossing and turning than it is about the detergent. No need to worry about using too little detergent.
2) Static cling? Natural fabrics (except silk) don't have static cling problems. Using vinegar in the laundry machine will reduce static cling. Or put a small safety pin in the waistband or inner seam of the offending item when you are wearing it.
3) There is no need to add a scent to your clothing, either through the dryer sheets or detergent. If your clothes are clean and without a smell, that's fantastic! But if you must make your clothes smell nice, than use something natural, like real dried lavendar or cedar blocks.
4) Dryer sheets tend to add an invisible "sheen" to items, and is especially a problem with towels. Try drying a washed car with a towel that was dried with a dryer sheet. Doesn't absorb any water!
5) Dryer sheets tend to line your lint trap with an invisible "sheen" so that your dryer has to work harder. Keep that lint trap clean!
6) Dryer sheets tend to coat the electronic moisture sensor with residue, and your dryer will not run efficiently.
There is too much evidence of petroleum products causing cancer and the like, so I stay away from fabric softener dryer sheets.
If time and space and homeowners' associations permit, hanging clothes on a line outdoors is the best! In terms of energy conservation and money, that is. The dried clothes may be a little stiff when dry, but should shake out easily. If not, you may be using too much laundry detergent.
Okay, most of us use the dryer.
1) Make sure clothes are not sopping wet. The better wrung-out the clothes are, the faster they will dry. Sometimes the last spin cycle on your washing machine needs to be repeated to get most of the water out of the clothes. The best thing about front-loading washing machines is that they do a great job of wringing out water. (And don't leave damp clothes in the washing machine too long, they may get musty and moldy.)
2) When transferring items from the washing machine to the dryer, shake them out. That tightly wadded and twisted sheet will not dry as fast as the one you shake open. And that pair of underpants wadded inside the twisted sheet probably won't dry at all!
3) It's best to remove things from the dryer as soon as the dryer is stopped. Immediately hanging and folding clothes minimizes wrinkles. But I think that is no longer a "must-do" in today's world.
4) Clean the lint trap after each load. You will see how much lint is accumulated. A film of lint prevents air circulation and slows the drying process. The dryer vent should also be cleaned periodically (annually) to keep the vent open to allow more efficient drying. I am not so worried about a possible fire if the vent is blocked, as I am of damp clothes, and the electricity being used as the dryer continues to run and run!
DRYER SHEETS or Bounce:
Do not use. There are many uses for Bounce sheets which can be another blog, but they should be avoided altogether. Just think of them as sheets soaked with petroleum, and that might make you stay away from them.
1) Fabric softener? If your clothes are coming out that stiff, it's because of too much soap or laundry detergent. Cut back on the amount you use. Washing clothes is more about the tossing and turning than it is about the detergent. No need to worry about using too little detergent.
2) Static cling? Natural fabrics (except silk) don't have static cling problems. Using vinegar in the laundry machine will reduce static cling. Or put a small safety pin in the waistband or inner seam of the offending item when you are wearing it.
3) There is no need to add a scent to your clothing, either through the dryer sheets or detergent. If your clothes are clean and without a smell, that's fantastic! But if you must make your clothes smell nice, than use something natural, like real dried lavendar or cedar blocks.
4) Dryer sheets tend to add an invisible "sheen" to items, and is especially a problem with towels. Try drying a washed car with a towel that was dried with a dryer sheet. Doesn't absorb any water!
5) Dryer sheets tend to line your lint trap with an invisible "sheen" so that your dryer has to work harder. Keep that lint trap clean!
6) Dryer sheets tend to coat the electronic moisture sensor with residue, and your dryer will not run efficiently.
There is too much evidence of petroleum products causing cancer and the like, so I stay away from fabric softener dryer sheets.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Finance - Checks
Do you young folks still have checkbooks?
It is common knowledge these days, but in the past it was done: Do not have your social security number printed on your checks. It's been suggested not to print your full name or your address on the checks, but these days, anyone can look up your name and address. And some retailers will not accept such checks. No need for your phone number or your driver's license info on the check. If the retailer needs such information, they can write it on the one check.
Use a ball point pen, so that an intercepted check can't be laundered and altered.
Don't write a check out for "Cash". Instead write it out to your name.
Print in capital letters, everything except your signature.
Write only the last four digits of your account number on the "For" line when paying by check, if you write anything at all.
When cashing a check, do not endorse it (sign the back) until you are at the teller window. If depositing the check, write "For deposit only" after your signature.
If mailing a check, do not put the envelope in your street-side mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up, as someone else can intercept it. I myself prefer dropping off mail inside the post office.
Keep unused checks in a secure place, so that no one can learn of your account number or bank routing information.
Review your monthly statement and balance your checkbook to insure there are no unauthorized transactions. Better yet, go online to keep an eye on your accounts.
It's too bad we have to be so careful.
It is common knowledge these days, but in the past it was done: Do not have your social security number printed on your checks. It's been suggested not to print your full name or your address on the checks, but these days, anyone can look up your name and address. And some retailers will not accept such checks. No need for your phone number or your driver's license info on the check. If the retailer needs such information, they can write it on the one check.
Use a ball point pen, so that an intercepted check can't be laundered and altered.
Don't write a check out for "Cash". Instead write it out to your name.
Print in capital letters, everything except your signature.
Write only the last four digits of your account number on the "For" line when paying by check, if you write anything at all.
When cashing a check, do not endorse it (sign the back) until you are at the teller window. If depositing the check, write "For deposit only" after your signature.
If mailing a check, do not put the envelope in your street-side mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up, as someone else can intercept it. I myself prefer dropping off mail inside the post office.
Keep unused checks in a secure place, so that no one can learn of your account number or bank routing information.
Review your monthly statement and balance your checkbook to insure there are no unauthorized transactions. Better yet, go online to keep an eye on your accounts.
It's too bad we have to be so careful.
Safety - Frightening a Burglar or Attacker
One of those viral e-mails suggests you keep your car keys with you at all times, to use the panic button in cases of someone breaking into your house or someone attacking you.
While the car alarm you set off may deter the burglar or attacker, it may also annoy your neighbors, who tend to ignore car alarms.
So while I may use the panic button during a personal attack, I would not assume the noise of a car alarm guarantees the attacker will back off. Be ready with other strategies. Another viral e-mail suggests keeping a can of wasp spray to use against attackers, but that may be illegal. If you happen to have a can of wasp spray, then use it! Carrying around wasp or pepper sprays, or any type of weapon, is NOT widely encouraged, because the attacker can grab the weapon and use it against you!
The number one thing to do when attacked is to run and scream. If you can't run, try an elbow or knee to the solar plexus (belly button area to knock the breath out of the attacker) or try a knee or kick to the groin (if the attacker is male). And scream! If the attacker pulls out a gun and you haven't been trained to disarm him, perhaps being passive will lessen injury, but that is not guaranteed. Now, I am talking about a physical attack. If he just wants your money, then perhaps you could throw your wallet in one direction, then run in the other direction and scream.
As for burglars, turning on a light may deter him as much as a car or house alarm going off. I've accidently set off my house alarm, and I don't think any neighbor would respond. And many of you do not even have car or house alarms!
Other deterrents:
1) Lock your doors and windows (duh!).
2) Secure outdoor furniture and try to put away tools, etc. Don't leave a shovel out to help a burglar break your window.
3) If you can't afford a security alarm system, maybe you can get the sign or decal to put up.
4) In the same vein, put up a security camera (even if it doesn't work!).
5) Plant spikey, prickly plants under windows.
6) Own a dog! Or put up a "Beware of Dog" sign!
And pray that you do not become a statistic.
While the car alarm you set off may deter the burglar or attacker, it may also annoy your neighbors, who tend to ignore car alarms.
So while I may use the panic button during a personal attack, I would not assume the noise of a car alarm guarantees the attacker will back off. Be ready with other strategies. Another viral e-mail suggests keeping a can of wasp spray to use against attackers, but that may be illegal. If you happen to have a can of wasp spray, then use it! Carrying around wasp or pepper sprays, or any type of weapon, is NOT widely encouraged, because the attacker can grab the weapon and use it against you!
The number one thing to do when attacked is to run and scream. If you can't run, try an elbow or knee to the solar plexus (belly button area to knock the breath out of the attacker) or try a knee or kick to the groin (if the attacker is male). And scream! If the attacker pulls out a gun and you haven't been trained to disarm him, perhaps being passive will lessen injury, but that is not guaranteed. Now, I am talking about a physical attack. If he just wants your money, then perhaps you could throw your wallet in one direction, then run in the other direction and scream.
As for burglars, turning on a light may deter him as much as a car or house alarm going off. I've accidently set off my house alarm, and I don't think any neighbor would respond. And many of you do not even have car or house alarms!
Other deterrents:
1) Lock your doors and windows (duh!).
2) Secure outdoor furniture and try to put away tools, etc. Don't leave a shovel out to help a burglar break your window.
3) If you can't afford a security alarm system, maybe you can get the sign or decal to put up.
4) In the same vein, put up a security camera (even if it doesn't work!).
5) Plant spikey, prickly plants under windows.
6) Own a dog! Or put up a "Beware of Dog" sign!
And pray that you do not become a statistic.
Etiquette - Thank-you Notes
Thank-you notes are still a must-do!
In this day and age, we are accepting e-mail thank-you notes, and maybe even Tweets. Or a phone call or a text message.
Thank-you notes do much more than relay your undying gratitude for a gift or deed. The single most important purpose of the thank-you note is to let the sender know that the gift/deed was received. Especially when it involves money! Or when a gift is sent from a third party (i.e., an online retail store). If we order a registry gift, usually the only way we know it was received is via a note from the receiver. So, please, send a quick thank-you, or at least an I-received-it note!
Need help remembering to send a thank-you? Do not deposit or cash a gift check until you have sent a note. Do not use any gift until you have sent a note. Have your child send a note before being allowed to play with a gift toy.
Get the kids into the habit. Let us return to an era of consideration and respect for others. Do not take a gifter for granted and do feel some gratitude for those who are thinking of you.
Thank you!
In this day and age, we are accepting e-mail thank-you notes, and maybe even Tweets. Or a phone call or a text message.
Thank-you notes do much more than relay your undying gratitude for a gift or deed. The single most important purpose of the thank-you note is to let the sender know that the gift/deed was received. Especially when it involves money! Or when a gift is sent from a third party (i.e., an online retail store). If we order a registry gift, usually the only way we know it was received is via a note from the receiver. So, please, send a quick thank-you, or at least an I-received-it note!
Need help remembering to send a thank-you? Do not deposit or cash a gift check until you have sent a note. Do not use any gift until you have sent a note. Have your child send a note before being allowed to play with a gift toy.
Get the kids into the habit. Let us return to an era of consideration and respect for others. Do not take a gifter for granted and do feel some gratitude for those who are thinking of you.
Thank you!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Finance - Credit Card Safety
A viral e-mail forwards advice like:
1) Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED'. (If your bank provides the service, have your photo put directly on your credit card; Bank of America does this.)
2) If you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four digits. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it. (Also, if sending payment checks by mail, do not leave them in a streetside mailbox for the carrier to pick up, as someone else may intercept it.)
3) If your credit cards are lost or stolen, cancel the credit cards immediately. 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, whether you are at home or on the road.
4) 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).
5) Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number.
a) Equifax: 800-525-6285
b) Experian (formerly TRW): 888-397-3742
c) Trans Union : 800-680-7289
d) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 877-438-4338
6) In addition, 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. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad.
Generally, limit the number of credit cards that you have or carry, so that if a problem arises, you do not have to as much damage control to do. Only carry the credit cards that you absolutely need and keep your other credit cards locked up in a personal safe. Having more than one credit card is good for credit purposes and gives you a larger credit limit in case of emergencies, but you probably don't need more than three different credit cards. You may additionally have some specialty credit cards (gas, department store, etc.), but keep track of them all.
Pay off the full credit card amount every month. If you are unable to do so, you are spending beyond your means. It makes little sense to accrue interest fees and late fees, when you are already unable to pay your bills.
Other common sense advice:
1) Never give out credit card info (or Social Security number) over the phone unless you initiated the call, and never over a cordless phone. One common scam is when someone calls you "back" right after you place an order, claims to be from the merchant and tells you that there was a problem with your card number -- would you mind giving it to them again? The best thing to do is ask for a contact name and call the merchant back at the number you used originally.
2) Look for secure checkout when using your credit card to make purchases online. The URL address should include "https:" and often there is a lock icon on your browser. Try to use only well-known retailers. Do not respond to any e-mail asking for credit card information; immediately delete it.
3) Make certain you get your card (and photo ID) back after you make a purchase! Have the clerk give you the sales slips of any cancelled or voided transactions, so that you can personally destroy them.
4) Check your monthly statement to make certain all charges are your own, and immediately notify the card issuer of any errors or unauthorized charges. Which means: Save receipts, all of them! Don't leave them with the retailer. (You can shred receipts after you have balanced your monthly statement.)
5) Never lend your card to anyone, and don’t leave cards or receipts lying around your room, no matter where you live.
6) Oh, my gosh! But I'll say it anyway - don't write down your PIN (credit card PIN for cash advance) anywhere near your credit card, and try to cover the keypad when you punch in the PIN.
7) Shred all those pre-approved credit card offers, and unsolicited credit card applications. Shred old credit card statements. Shred old credit card receipts.
Good luck! As hard as you try, you may not be able to avoid "identity theft", but let's hope for the best!
1) Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED'. (If your bank provides the service, have your photo put directly on your credit card; Bank of America does this.)
2) If you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four digits. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it. (Also, if sending payment checks by mail, do not leave them in a streetside mailbox for the carrier to pick up, as someone else may intercept it.)
3) If your credit cards are lost or stolen, cancel the credit cards immediately. 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, whether you are at home or on the road.
4) 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).
5) Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number.
a) Equifax: 800-525-6285
b) Experian (formerly TRW): 888-397-3742
c) Trans Union : 800-680-7289
d) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 877-438-4338
6) In addition, 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. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad.
Generally, limit the number of credit cards that you have or carry, so that if a problem arises, you do not have to as much damage control to do. Only carry the credit cards that you absolutely need and keep your other credit cards locked up in a personal safe. Having more than one credit card is good for credit purposes and gives you a larger credit limit in case of emergencies, but you probably don't need more than three different credit cards. You may additionally have some specialty credit cards (gas, department store, etc.), but keep track of them all.
Pay off the full credit card amount every month. If you are unable to do so, you are spending beyond your means. It makes little sense to accrue interest fees and late fees, when you are already unable to pay your bills.
Other common sense advice:
1) Never give out credit card info (or Social Security number) over the phone unless you initiated the call, and never over a cordless phone. One common scam is when someone calls you "back" right after you place an order, claims to be from the merchant and tells you that there was a problem with your card number -- would you mind giving it to them again? The best thing to do is ask for a contact name and call the merchant back at the number you used originally.
2) Look for secure checkout when using your credit card to make purchases online. The URL address should include "https:" and often there is a lock icon on your browser. Try to use only well-known retailers. Do not respond to any e-mail asking for credit card information; immediately delete it.
3) Make certain you get your card (and photo ID) back after you make a purchase! Have the clerk give you the sales slips of any cancelled or voided transactions, so that you can personally destroy them.
4) Check your monthly statement to make certain all charges are your own, and immediately notify the card issuer of any errors or unauthorized charges. Which means: Save receipts, all of them! Don't leave them with the retailer. (You can shred receipts after you have balanced your monthly statement.)
5) Never lend your card to anyone, and don’t leave cards or receipts lying around your room, no matter where you live.
6) Oh, my gosh! But I'll say it anyway - don't write down your PIN (credit card PIN for cash advance) anywhere near your credit card, and try to cover the keypad when you punch in the PIN.
7) Shred all those pre-approved credit card offers, and unsolicited credit card applications. Shred old credit card statements. Shred old credit card receipts.
Good luck! As hard as you try, you may not be able to avoid "identity theft", but let's hope for the best!
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