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of the credit cards, license, ID cards, etc. Now you know what was in your wal-
let before it was stolen or lost. You'll also have all the account numbers and
telephone numbers to call and cancel. Don't place these copies in your wal-
let/purse, but take them with you on your trip and keep them in a safe place.

If your credit cards are lost or stolen, call the phone numbers on your cred-

it cards and cancel them. Also, call the three national credit-reporting organi-
zations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security
Number:

Equifax 001-880-525-6285
Experian 001-880-397-3742
Trans Union 001-880-680-7289

Call the Social Security Administration fraud line, 001-880-269-0271 to let

them know of your loss. By doing so, you may avoid someone using your iden-
tification to take out new credit. I heard, via the Internet, of a horror story in
which an individual had his wallet stolen. He notified his credit card compa-
nies, but did not notify the credit reporting organizations. As a result, the
thieves established new credit and many purchases were made. You may never
have to use this information, but if you do, you'll have it.

File a police report right away with the local police. This will help you prove

to credit providers that you were conscientious.

Oh yes, you parents of teenagers should know that the legal age for pur-

chasing and drinking alcohol in Mexico is 18 years of age. Although I'm sure
"carding" is done somewhere in Mazatlán, I've never actually seen it.

Clothing: Mazatlán is a warm weather area and very laid-back. You should

load up on swimming suits, sandals, short sleeve shirts/blouses, and shorts.
Someone asked me if formal or semi-formal attire was needed in Mazatlán.
My response was while there must be places that they would be needed, I have
never been to any of those places. Leave the suit, tux or fancy dresses at home!
If the opportunity arises to wear such attire, there are many formal clothing
rental places in town.

D'Paul: Very high quality men's suits and tuxes for rent. All sizes are avail-

able from two-year old boys to men's 55/56. They are open M-S, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
The cost is $50 U.S. for a suit and $90-100 U.S. for a tux. For weekend rental,
the merchandise may be picked up on Thursday and returned on Monday.
D'Paul is located at Avenida Angel Flores #407 in El Centro (about one block
west of the main plaza). Contact them at 981-4510 or 981-4520. There is a
website at www.dpaul.com.mx.

M a z a t l a n I S P a r a d i s e