Richard J. Harris, CPA – Newport Beach, CA

Times are tough and just getting tougher.  My question to you is does it really matter?

Question:  Do you only brush your teeth when you have a date?  No, of course you brush well and often.

Question:  Do you only worry about your finances when times are difficult?  No?  Yes?  How about a solid maybe?

Worrying about how your life is going should be just like brushing your teeth. Some facet of your finances and being prepared for life’s uncertainties should be apart of every day. Yes, many things can not be planned for. However, many things can be anticipated and your reaction can be planned.

Case in Point:   Identity Theft.   Could it happen to you? Sure. Is it likely? Sure. No. Maybe. Regardless of the likelihood, should you look into it? Yes, of course.

So take a minute and look over this web site: http://www.privacytrustgroup.com

The Privacy Trust Group are good people trying to help you keep trouble from knocking at your door.

That seems like a good thing to me.

Rick Harris Good Advice Identity theft

My latest client letter subject is a set of instructions for individuals to protect themselves from identity theft. California is one of a few states that allow individuals to “freeze” their credit information. The freeze is accomplished by writing to each of the three credit bureaus, paying a $10 fee and requesting them to completely stop all checks of your credit and stop the issuance of any credit to you or anyone who pretends to be you.

If you want to apply for a loan or credit card, all you need to do is go on-line, use the password issued by the credit bureau and allow that specific credit check.

Complete instructions are included in the California Office of Privacy Protection. The following link will get you there:

http://www.privacy.ca.gov/

Once there find – Consumer Information Sheet 10 for a complete set of instructions on how to freeze your credit.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Harris
Certified Public Accountant

The following are sample letters for each of the three credit bureaus. Note that each bureau’s requirements are slightly different.

February 3, 2009

Equifax Security Freeze
PO Box 105788
Atlanta GA 30348

Dear Eqifax:

I would like to place a security freeze on my credit file. My name is .

My current address is:

I have been at this address for over 10 years and do not have a former address.

My Social Security number is .

My date of birth is .

Enclosed is my check for $10 for placing the freeze by .

Sincerely yours,

February 3, 2009

Experian Security Freeze
PO Box 9554
Allen TX 75013

Dear Experian:

I would like to place a security freeze on my credit file. My name is .

My current address is:

My Social Security number is .

My date of birth is .

As proof of my address, I am enclosing the following two items:
*
*

Enclosed is my check for $10 for placing the freeze by .

Sincerely yours,

February 3, 2009

Trans Union Security Freeze
PO Box 6790
Fullerton CA 92834-6790

Dear Trans Union:

I would like to place a security freeze on my credit file. My name is .

My current address is:

My Social Security number is .

My date of birth is .

Enclosed is my check for $10 for placing the freeze by credit card.

Name of Credit Card:
Account number:
Expiration date:

Sincerely yours,

Rick Harris Financial Advice Identity theft, locking your credit