Check fraud losses often involve consumer accounts. To protect yourself from becoming a victim of such fraud, you should be aware of the importance of proper check issuing, and the importance of reconciling your statements. Keep in mind these tips for protecting your checking account:

• Keep track of your checkbook and any loose (new) sets of checks. Store or appropriately dispose of canceled checks. Also keep track of your deposit slips. *Immediately report a lost or stolen checkbook;
• Never give out your account and routing numbers to someone you do not know, especially over the phone;
• When away from home for a long period of time, keep your checkbook in a safe and locked place at home (consider using traveler's checks instead);
• Always write out checks with ink pens or typewriters and never use pencil. Write the payee name and the dollar amount (both in letters and numbers) as far as possible to the left and draw a line through the remaining space to prevent additions to what you intend. Write out the payee name in its entirety so that the name cannot be altered;
• Balance/reconcile your checkbook with each monthly bank statement.

Tips for Safely Choosing and Using an ATM

Use ATMs familiar to you if possible. Use ATMs that are in a safe, well-lit location. Look around you as you approach the ATM. Do not use the ATM if it appears to be isolated or unsafe.

Do not open your purse, bag or wallet as you near the ATM. Have your card out and ready to use before you get close to the machine

Be careful about accepting help from a stranger at an ATM- no matter how frustrating the problem. Nothing should distract you from the transaction at hand. Be watchful of people who are too close to you while waiting to use the ATM, as they could watch while you enter your PIN. To further protect yourself shield the keypad with your hand and by standing as close to the machine as possible when you type in your PIN.

Follow the instructions given to you precisely; do not act unless the system prompts you. If it seems like something is not working correctly in the ATM, cancel the transaction and take your card to another machine.

Inform the bank so that the problem can be resolved. If you are having a problem with the card slot, do not force your card. If your card is lost (jammed or retained) or something interferes while you are at the ATM, let the bank  know by calling 1-800-754-4128.

Make sure that you have your card and the cash in your wallet, purse or pocket before you leave the ATM. Once the transaction has been completed, keep the receipt in order to balance your monthly statement.

Other tips

Your PIN is a very important way to protect your account. Guard it carefully by memorizing the number. For extra protection, do not choose a number that is easy to guess, such as a birthday or anniversary, and change the PIN occasionally (right away if you think someone may know it).

You should remember to use the same care regarding your PIN and any other private information concerning your account when doing transactions at a store or restaurant, online, over the telephone, or with a check.

Make sure to check the balance in your account often and carefully look over your statements so that you can discover and report any discrepancies immediately.

Money. Is it Real or Counterfeit?
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