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Writing checks, safeguards

bills39158685.jpgMost people think that writing checks is safer than using a credit or debit card, but the fact is that problems can occur when you write checks. When you are writing checks the best thing that you can do to help safeguard your personal information is to learn some safeguards for writing checks. Here are some tips that you can follow for safer check writing.

Tip one:
Never write out a check that is payable to cash. The reason for this is that if you lose the check or it is stolen, anybody can cash the check because there is no person named on the check. Another thing about writing the check out to cash is that if somebody steals it they can easily alter the amount that the check is written out for and cash the check for a different amount. Always write a check to a specific person.

Tip two:

Never leave your checkbook in your car or lying out in the open. Doing this allows people to look at your checkbook and gather your account information, which they can use to gain access to any funds that you have in your account, they can even open an online banking account with the information. You want to store any checks; deposit slips, bank statements, and cancelled checks in a secure location, preferably a locked safe.

Tip three:

Once you have received your bank statement in the mail you will want to reconcile your bank statement within 30 days. Doing this promptly allows you to spot any fraudulent activity in a timely manner. Remember that the sooner you spot the fraudulent activity the sooner you can get it taken care, and you will probably not be held responsible for what has happened. If you wait too long the bank can make you liable for any losses that have occurred.

Tip four:
Never place any checks in the mailbox at night. Leaving the written checks out overnight allows people to walk up to the mailbox and steal your checks. People who steal the checks from your mailbox at night can gain access to your account information, and they can cash the checks that you have used to pay your bills. The worst part is when this happens your bills aren't paid. Instead of putting the mail out the night before take it directly to the post office that night or drop it off in the morning. You can also hand it directly to the postal worker when they are delivering your mail the next day.

Tip five:

Limit the amount of personal information that you are writing on your check. Never put your social security number, driver's license number, or phone numbers on your checks. Including this information on your checks makes it easier for people to steal your identity because the identity thief has all of the information that is needed to open credit in your name.

Tip six:

Never leave any blank spaces on your check, especially the payee and amount lines. Once you have written the name of the person or company that the check is intended for draw a line after the last word, have the line go along the rest of the space. In the amount, line once you have written in the dollar amount you can draw a line to the edge of the check so that nobody can change the amount the check was written for.

Tip seven:
The type of pen that you are using to write your checks also makes a difference. Ballpoint and marker inks should not be used because the ink will disappear if the check is washed. Instead, you should use a gel pen because the ink contains tiny amounts of color that is trapped in the paper, which makes check washing harder.

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