How to Protect Yourself From Check Fraud and Identity Theft

Identity fraud is one of the most prevalent crimes in our society today. But many people only associate it with credit card fraud or stolen social security numbers. Checking accounts are also the targets of fraud. This article will show you simple ways you can protect your checking account and your identity.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Signo Uniball Pen 207

1. Do not put your full name on your checks. Only put your first initial and your last name. You will still sign your checks with your full name. Someone who is attempting to wash your check and reuse it will not know what name the first initial stands for and will not be able to sign the check properly. For example, if your name is only printed as " B. Smith" on your checks they will not know whether the "B" stands for Bill, Barbara, Branden, or Beverly. Also most people usually sign their checks with a first and last name so they will not attempt to use your checks because they will look suspicious.

2. Use a "Signo Uniball" gel pen to write your checks. These pens are made especially to prevent check fraud and are found in most stores. The ink is fade and wash resistant and gets into the fiber of the checks and cannot be washed out.

3. Do not leave your mail in your mailbox to be picked up by the mailman. Always mail your bills at the post office. Therefore no one can be opening your bills and taking out your checks to try to wash them and reuse them.

4. Get a locked mailbox. People who try to do credit card fraud will watch a house and observe when the owners of the house go in and out. They will then submit a credit card application with their name and your address. They will watch your house and go through your mail to find the credit card application when it arrives and will then attempt to get a credit card and use it. If you are receiving mail at your address for a person that you do not know then report this to the police. It happened to me. If you see people sitting in cars in front of your house that you do not know report this also to the police. I saw the person that was attempting to use my address several times and did not know what was going on until a police officer told me how they run this scam.

5. Report any fraudulent activity against you to the credit reporting agencies immediately. They will set up a system where they can verify if you are applying for loans or lines of credit. After I experienced fraud against me, I contacted the agencies and then when I applied for any credit card or loans, it was necessary to call my home to verify that I was indeed the one who applied for these accounts. Following the above steps will give you some control over your identity.