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In
Our Corner
Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the
bug.
~Mark Knopfler
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Entrepreneurs - In The
Know!
If you haven't decided on what tools to use to
help you and your small business, My Corporation by Intuit is
making a special offer to get things moving.
Take the first step in launching your business and the steps to
alleviate stress and worry!
Don't forget--getting your business off the ground can
be challenging, but with our help and the variety of services we
offer, you can be well on your way, doing what matters most!
go to our website at:
www.WeTrainU2.com
or call us
for details.
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Dear Tammy,
With everything that is happening in the economy and
striving to manage a budget, the last thing you need is to
become a victim of a scam or fraud. The crooks are out there waiting to
take advantage of every opportunity; take action to prevent becoming
another statistic.
There are ways to protect yourself with your credit cards and
bank accounts. You can be confident knowing you have taken
precautions to prevent harm and wreaking havoc with your
identity.
In light of this news, we also have great information
for the entrepreneur and small business owner. Read
on about a special deal happening now until "Tax Day",
April 15. Don't miss out!
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Identify Theft and Fraud
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials
(instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone
takes your checkbook, 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.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards.
Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED."
3. When 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
numbers. 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 will not have access to it.
4. Do not put phone numbers on your
checks. 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.
5. 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
traveling either here or abroad. We have all heard horror
stories about fraud that is committed on us in stealing a name,
address, Social Security number, credit cards.
6. When you check out of a hotel that uses cards for
keys (and they all seem to do that now), do not turn the
"keys" in. Take them with you and destroy them by
placing a magnet on them. This will erase any assocation with
you as the holder of the key. Those little cards have all
of the information you gave the hotel, including address and credit
card numbers and expiration dates. Someone with a card reader,
or employee of the hotel, can access all that information with no
problem whatsoever.
Here is some critical information to limit the damage
in case this happens to you or someone you know:
1. We have been told we should cancel our 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.
2. 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). However, here is what
is perhaps most important of all
3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations
immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security
number. 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.
Here are the numbers to contact about your wallet and contents
being stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271
5.) Police Department (obtain local number of where item was
stolen).
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Wherever you stand in your business affairs, there is
always room for improvement. We are here to offer our services
in the areas that you may find difficult to begin or if you just need
some help in getting through to the next step!
Your bookkeeping doesn't have to wear you out. You
can register for one of our QuickBooks® workshops so you will
know exactly where you stand financially at all times.
Give us a call today at 408.297.1152.
Tammy Foley
Bookkeeping Services & We Train U-2
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