Identity Theft Prevention - 12 Things To Do If Your Checks Are Missing Or Stolen

One of the easiest ways a fraudulent person can access your bank is through a check. All they need to do is pick your pocket, handbag or briefcase, and they might even get the whole check book filled with blank pages. Can you imagine what damage this person could do if he or she could forge your signature? If you do realize one day that your check is missing, it could very well be stolen by such a thief. Stop payments on all issued checks immediately, because you may not have issued them! Do get your bank statements, and speak with the bank officials to see if any of the leaves have already been used. In most cases it would be easier to verify this if you could provide the check numbers. If you are a regular check user and are aware and fearful of identity theft, you could use these measures to feel safer about the issue -

1. You could ask for a credit report from a credit agency to see if there are unusual transactions from your account. It may be a small transaction at first, as a 'trial run' to suck your money out little by little.

2. Write down all the check numbers every time you issue one - this way you would realize immediately when one or more leaves is missing, and then go ahead and stop payment on them.

3. Don't keep all your eggs in one basket! Carry your passport, check books and other important personal papers in different bags/wallets.

4. Do not place any check account statement in your mailing box. that makes it an easy target for identity thieves.

5. Do ask for privacy procedure processes at the bank.

6. Keep all the check statements on record for future reference.

7. If you need a new check book, collect it personally at the bank rather than have it mailed to you. All a thief would need to do is break open your mail box!

8. It is a bad idea to write down your social security number on any check. This way, if you lose your check, you also just give your social security details to the thief.

9. take the time to review your bank statements as they are coming in. Look for any unusual transaction, and contact the bank to verify.

10. If you apply for a check account, ask for the return of application once it is approved - so it does not fall into the wrong hands.

11. Use all the space in the alloted area when writing out a check. Do not leave space for somone to add to it. Also, use a permanent marker when writing checks.

12. If you find a check missing from your book, call the police and call the bank before that.