Check Fraud and Verification

Before buying personal or business checks you should inform yourself of the best ways to protect yourself from check fraud. Since man has written checks check fraud has existed. Like any fraud, check fraud emerged as crafty con artists discovered they could photocopy checks or alter checks to steal money from innocent victims. Thanks to technological advances and craftier con artists, check fraud is as common as a cup of coffee.

As a consumer you should concern yourself with ways to prevent or reduce the chances that checks you write will fall victim to fraud. Fortunately there are many ways to reduce the likelihood of fraud. Whether you are a fan of cheap checks, high quality business checks or personal checks that express your personality, there is security available for you. Chances are you'll find what you're looking for and the security to protect you from check fraud with a little planning.

Once you know what to look for, there s no reason you should fall victim to thieves, crafty or otherwise. Let's take a look at some common security measures check companies use to protect you from thieves.

Check Security

Many check companies including Deluxe? checks now offer consumers special features to help prevent the likelihood of fraud. Among the more common measures adopted to protect consumers include:

• Microprinting - micro printing is simply print on the check that is small enough to prevent someone from photocopying the information on the check.
• Erasure Protection - this protection prevents anyone from erasing information on the check. A white spot appears if someone tries this.
• Original Document - each check is printed with the words original document that can't be photocopied.

Other companies including Quicken? checks and Quickbooks? checks are taking measures to ensure your safety. Among the security features adopted by these companies include:

• Small print. Like Deluxe? checks this prevents thieves from photocopying your information.
• Erasure protection.
• Special detail including foil and embossing. This also makes it difficult for thieves to photocopy checks.

Of course the best thing you can do to protect yourself from thieves is balance your checkbook and reconcile monthly statements. This should let you know if someone is writing false checks in your name. Top stub checks provide an easy and convenient place for you to write down transaction details if you don't have time to document purchases in your check register immediately.

Worried that cheap checks won't provide the same protections? Fear not! When buying cheap personal checks find out whether the print on the checks is small. This will help prevent photocopying. Foil and embossing is also available on some styles. This, and any intricate design will help reduce the likelihood that someone will photocopy your checks. The simpler the check, the easier it may be for a thief to copy.

Lastly, if your someone steals your checkbook be sure to contact your bank immediately. There are several measures you can take to protect your identity. You can either transfer funds to a separate account or stop payment on the series of checks in the checkbook stolen. Your bank should provide you with extra information about protecting your identity.

Check Verification

Retailers are also protecting themselves from check fraud. The number one way they are doing this is through check verification. There are several check verification companies that use machines to verify whether a check will clear or not. The more common companies include:

• SCAN
• TeleCheck
• Check Rite
• Equifax
• ChexSystems

If one of these machines dings your check as bad and you know you have cash in your account, it is possible someone might be passing checks in your name. You can call the check verification company to find out and correct any wrong information.

Keep in mind while most people don't intentionally write bad checks or checks they know will bounce, if you do these machines are likely to stop you cold in your tracks.

Now that you know how to protect yourself from check fraud and what security measures are available to help protect you, why not get those daffy duck checks you have been dreaming about?

About The Author:
Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as Deluxe checks, Quickbooks checks, and Quicken checks.

---

Safely Save for Your Childs University Studies Using An Education IRA!

This investment retirement account (IRA) is useful to you as... Read More

Do You Really Need the Power of Money Management Software?

I have been a loyal user of Quicken(R) for more... Read More

Credit Card Debt ? Watch Your Credit Report and Your Bill

Most consumers are aware of the importance of their credit... Read More

How To Get Ahead On A Low Income

Do you struggle from week to week trying to make... Read More

The Good and the Bad of Money Management

Good money management needn't be difficult. In fact, there a... Read More

Know Thy Finances

The first step to financial success lies in knowing your... Read More

Honor Those Who Serve with Checking Account Supplies

Our global society has had a wake up call in... Read More

Understanding Your Finances Can Give You Power And Choice

What is finance and what do you need to know?... Read More

Improve Your Professional Image Using Address Labels

One of the simplest ways to improve your professional image... Read More

Financial Fitness - Are You Exercising the Right Muscles to become Financially Fit?

Are your financial muscles well toned and healthy or flabby... Read More

How To Survive The Grocery Shopping Blues

If you are the normal consumer, then you've probably experienced... Read More

Why We Are Never Satisfied with What We Have

I have to admit, I do it too. I complain.... Read More

Debt Management ? More Ways to Save on Gas Consumption

The price of gas continues to climb, and with continued... Read More

Photo Checks ? A Great Alternative in Checking

It's the little things in life that make it interesting.... Read More

First Checking Account ? When is it Time?

We all know that money doesn't grow on trees, but... Read More

Ways to Save Energy and Slash Electricity Bills

1. Lighting & Light Bulbs Install low energy light... Read More

Improving Your Financial Position

If you want money you need to learn how to... Read More

Bankruptcy Chapters Explained

Chapter 7The potential chapter 7 debtor should understand that a... Read More

Grocery Savings - Your Kitchen is a Goldmine!

Your food budget is the most flexible area of your... Read More

Healthy Eating On A Budget

It is possible to eat a healthy, balanced diet without... Read More

Kundalini Lessons - Money

I've been going through and interesting growth period lately that... Read More

If All Things Are Possible, Why Cant I Balance My Checkbook?

For me, the most terrible time of each month is... Read More

The Wonderful World Of Address Labels

Ever wonder where address labels come from? Avery® is perhaps... Read More

Im Broke, How Can I Afford...

I'm still amazed every time someone comes to me complaining... Read More

10 Quick And Cheap Ways To Cut Your Heating Bill

When you received an energy (heating) bill last winter, were... Read More