As we start yet another year, it is important to rethink some of our identity protection practices upfront and make necessary adjustments to prevent and detect identity theft. In this issue of Identity Management Journal, we want to bring up check fraud risks and propose some steps that you can take to minimize your risk of check fraud.

Although technology has allowed fraud management experts to effectively fight check fraud, advancement in technology has also allowed criminals to effectively commit their check fraud crimes.

There are many easy ways that check fraud can be prevented or at least be made more difficult to commit. For example, you should consider the following:

1. Always store your checks and other document containing your bank account information in a secure location.

2. Order your checks only from your financial institution which most probably outsources your request to a printing company but not before a complete due diligence is performed and all agreements including Non-Disclosure Agreements are signed.

3. Review your monthly bank statement as soon as you receive them or you may be liable for any financial losses due to check fraud if they are not reported within 30 days.

4. Don’t give your bank account information to anyone especially to strangers and scammers pretending to call from your bank. They can use the information to create counterfeit checks.

5. Do not place bill payments in your mailbox way before the mail is picked up. Your mail can be stolen before the mailman has a chance to pick them up.

6. Never write too many pieces of personal information on your checks as many do including date of birth, social security number, phone numbers, credit card numbers, etc. which can be used to commit all kinds of other identity fraud.

7. Don't leave the payee line blank or payable to cash. The check can be used by unauthorized people if it is ever lost or stolen.

8. Lastly, never endorse a check until you are ready for deposit. Keep your eyes on the next blog article for an extended list of check fraud tips.

Until next time, be identity safe,
Henry Bagdasarian
Identity Management Institute

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