Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869

Have you ever had your wallet/purse lost or stolen? If so, you need to read this and just do it to protect yourself. Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of this advice!

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 won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks.(DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

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. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Here's some critical information to limit the damage in case your wallet or purse is stolen or this happens to someone you know:

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But 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.

I entered all four numbers into my cell phone and have a copy of this in my inbox.

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).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)

3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. 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.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.

I just wanted to share something with all of you. I have a house listed on the market with a good friend of mine. We as agents need to ensure that we educate our clients. The reason I say this is due to the media out there giving them dis-information. I have an offer on the table for their house. True it was a little less than what they wanted but in this market having a qualified buyer is a good thing even if they start out a little low. My sellers are mad because they were offer less than the list price. I informed them that they should be happy that they picked their house as to another one. They do not see it that way. It is also hard being a friend of mine. I informed them that I am here to give them advice and that they should consider a counter offer. They are going to think about it and will let me know. My question is that with all the media and the Internet information available they should view this as a blessing and not a crappy offer. What are your thoughts?

I just wanted to let you know that I just got back from a Hobbs Herder seminar. If you have not been to one, you are really missing the boat. They have a treasure trove of marketing ideas that every real estate agent should be doing. This was my second Gateway seminar and I learned a lot more the second time than I did the first.

I agree that their materials are more agent focused in some ways. But, like anything else, whether it is beautiful marketing materials, door knocking or cold calling, my motto remains: Some Will, Some Won't. But, you gotta use the materials or nothing will happen. It is not a one-shot deal. It is a well-thought-out marketing campaign. Yes, it costs to produce the materials and to mail them. Nohting in life is FREE.

Please check them out at www.hobbsherder.com

Thanks!

As Bono from U2 would say "It's a beautiful day". So go out there and enjoy yourselves while you can because the weather will not hold out for much longer. We all know why ti rains so much here in June. It's because the college world series is playing. Have fun at the ball park.

Me and the wife where do at the Fire & Ice Jazz & Blues concert last night. If you have not been down there you should definatley go. This was the first concert of the summer. Lots of music, food and good friends. All it cost is a donation to the food bank. It is down at the Lewis and Clark landing next to Rick's boat yard. Blues