Steps to Avoid Identity Theft with Your Stolen Checks
The simplest way for a fraud to get access to your bank statement is by the use of your own checks. How could other people get your checks? It is so simple! They just snatch your checkbook when you are about to pay for your purchases or they can just pick it from your pocket or handbag. Checks are usually susceptible to thieves, especially if you are not attending to them that much. The thief may get one piece of your check or worse, he or she might take your whole check book.
Once you realize that your check book is missing or stolen, you should stop all payments against it and have the account cancelled. Be sure to inform your bank immediately after you realize your check or checkbook is missing. It is also necessary to request a check verification from the bank to find out if your missing or stolen checks have already been funded. However, if you are a check user and afraid of being a victim of identity theft, here are some steps you can follow to protect yourself from having your financial identity stolen, via your stolen checks, by a thief on his or her shopping spree:
1. Request an annual credit report from the three major credit agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to verify all your account transactions. This is to make sure that there are no strange activities in your credit report.
2. Make sure to report all your stolen checks. In addition, have your checking account number handy. Notify your bank once your check is missing or stolen. Do this IMMEDIATELY.
3. Do not put your checkbook in a purse or bag together with your valid IDs or passports.
4. Make sure not to put any checking account statements in your mailbox.
5. Request privacy procedures and information applications from your bank so you’ll know the situation once your bank gives your checking account information to someone.
6. Keep all your checking account(s) statements to know if you issued each check appropriately.
7. When requesting a new checkbook, be sure to claim it at your bank personally. Do not permit your bank to just mail it to you since most thieves acquire your personal and financial information by stealing your mail.
8. Do not put your Social Security number on your checks. Do not write or print any of your financial credit information outside an envelope. Ever.
9. Review all your check statements and cashed checks using your periodic bank statements to know if there are any unofficial transactions and charges. It helps to check your account often online as well. Look for “recent activity” or something similar.
10. When applying for a checking account, it is wise to ask the bank how they dispose of your application. Once you have received a confirmation about your checking account application, be sure to shred it to pieces.
11. When writing on your check, use a permanent marker with fine point and write a line before your write the amount. This way you avoid allowing someone to write an additional “something” on your check, like an extra zero or two.
12. Once you notice that one of your checks is missing, immediately contact your bank about it. You can also file a report to the nearest police station and have a copy of the police report to present to the bank if they ever ask for it.
By having correct and complete account records, you are helping to prevent identity theft happening to you. Just follow the steps given, and you will be sure of the safety of your checks and your personal protection therefore, avoiding identity theft.
Category: Identity Theft