| Even though the use of personal checks as | | | | come in should have the original shrink wrap used |
| dwindled, check fraud is on the rise. Checks are | | | | by the bank for shipping. |
| no longer the primary method of payment. Many | | | | 3. If at all possible, use a locking mailbox or have |
| Americans are now using other methods of | | | | your mail sent to a P.O. box. Bank statements |
| payment such as credit or debit cards, bank | | | | usually come in an envelope with your bank's |
| draft, and online banking. Despite the availability of | | | | company logo on it. This makes it easier for |
| these other forms of payments, lots of | | | | thieves to identify theft opportunities. Empty your |
| Americans still depend on personal checks to pay | | | | mailbox every day. When you mail payments for |
| their bills. | | | | bills, drop the envelopes in a secure mailbox. |
| There are new laws enacted to help combat | | | | 4. Shred any paperwork related to your bank |
| check fraud. A good example of this is the Check | | | | account after you are through consolidating your |
| 21 Act. The Check 21 Act allows banks to | | | | bank statement. This includes financial information |
| provide consumers with electronic images of | | | | such as your bank account number. |
| checks rather than mailing them back to you in | | | | 5. If possible, make your payments electronically |
| your monthly bank account statement. This helps | | | | rather than through the mail. If you access your |
| cut down on paper as well as curb some check | | | | account online, make sure that you follow sound |
| fraud. However, it is estimated that this growing | | | | internet security practices, especially with your |
| problem costs merchants and financial institutions | | | | password. Make sure that the padlock icon on the |
| approximately $25 billion per year. | | | | lower right hand of your browser is in the "closed" |
| Tips to Help Reduce Your Chances of Being a | | | | position. This indicates that the site is secure. |
| Victim to Check Fraud | | | | 6. Credit cards limit your liability for fraud up to |
| 1. Balance your check book every month. If you | | | | $50. Make store purchases with a credit card in |
| have internet access, check the transactions | | | | lieu of a check. That way, you do not have to |
| regularly to ensure that no fraudulent transactions | | | | carry your checkbook with you. |
| have occurred. | | | | Crime is everywhere, and opportunistic thieves will |
| 2. Report lost or stolen checks and lost or stolen | | | | not hesitate to defraud you. By following these |
| debit cards right away. When you order new | | | | tips, you can protect yourself against the crime |
| checks, make sure that all the checks are there | | | | of check fraud. |
| with the shipment. The box that the checks | | | | |