trb (11/23/82)
My wallet was stolen last Labor Day and a bunch of bogus charges were made on my various credit cards. I have a hint for everyone: Do not carry your plastic money in the same wallet or place that you carry your driver license and identification. (A male thief is assumed here, please don't flame.) A thief with your credit cards can't make a large charge without showing several forms of ID. The thief won't have your home address. If you are pickpocketed (like I was), the thief certainly won't ask you for your id's, if you are confronted face to face a thief will be looking for cash, if you give the thief your wallet he probably won't ask for credit cards. Credit card companies are nice about bogus charges, they only hold you accountable for some small amount. (I'm sure the law protects you here, rather than the goodness of the company's hearts.) My suggestion will still save you grief, fewer affidavits to fill out and fewer phone calls to make. I suggest that you carry your id's and driver license in your wallet, carry your cards in another pocket or in your briefcase. Andy Tannenbaum Bell Labs Whippany, NJ (201) 386-6491
jhh (11/23/82)
Another little known feature if your credit cards are stolen: most homeowners/renter's insurance policies cover the amount the credit card companies make you pay. This is part of the credit card/check forgery clause. Hoping I never have to use it, John Haller