Q: I lost my laptop with personal information inside, including my social security number and 'address. What do you recommend I do? I'm not closed all bank accounts, but I'm looking at my accounts.
A: It is good that you ask this question, because many people would simply hope for the best and do nothing to protect. Since it appears that you are aware of exactly what personal information was in the notebook, this is a good starting point. Watch your bank accounts and credit cards is the first line of protection. Here are some other intelligent action:
1. If you had your credit cards, or even your credit card information within your laptop, you need to cancel your credit cards and new (with new card numbers) sent to you.
2. Because your Social Security number has been among the lost items, this is a good time to start actively monitoring your credit reports that identity thieves often open new credit accounts in your name. In reviewing your credit reports that you can confirm that only the accounts you open will appear on your them. You can check your credit reports once a year free annualcreditreport.com, but your credit reports can change after you check and you would be left ignore suspicious activity. Which leads me to step 3 ...
3. Because your credit reports can change after you check your should consider signing up for a protection service against theft iDENTITY GUARD ® or identity as Trusted ID. Both services will monitor all three of your credit reports and alert you of any changes. They will also analyze the market and the black Internet databases for the use of your personal information, including your social security number, name and address. In addition, they both include anti-virus, anti-keylogging and anti-phishing software to help protect your computer and all your Internet activities from fraud. Right now, they are both offering free trials and free credit scores to start, so you can register for free and see if you like them before committing.