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If you operate a small business, never let the same individual write
checks and reconcile the checking account. Reconcile the account yourself
each month and examine all checks. |
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If you operate a large business, ensure that one person does not perform
all of your financial functions. Require two signatures on most checks
and especially for cash accounts. |
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If you bank online, check your account regularly between statements. |
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Do not give your Personal Identification Number to anyone and do not keep
it in the same purse or wallet with your credit or ATM cards. |
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Do not use your address or birthday as a PIN because it can be easily
determined by a thief who steals your purse or wallet |
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Retain your credit card duplicate receipts until you receive your monthly
statement. Compare your receipts against your account statement just as you
would reconcile a bank statement. Be certain that the charges have not been
increased since you authorized the charge or that additional charges have
not been posted. |
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In the event you discover an unknown or unauthorized charge, notify your
credit card company immediately and register a dispute on the charge. You
will not have to pay the charge until the dispute is resolved. You will be
sent a written dispute form, which you should immediately sign and return.
Failing to do so will dismiss the dispute. |
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If you customarily throw away bills, cancelled checks, paycheck stubs,
credit card receipts or other documents containing personal financial
information, consider investing in a small shredder to dispose of these
papers. Thieves can learn a great deal by rummaging through trash. |
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Do not give your Social Security or drivers license number to a telephone
solicitor. |
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Do not deal with telephone or other solicitors who want you to put up
money to "show good faith" or anything similar in order to
participate in any "investment" or claim any "prize"
that you have supposedly won. Be especially cautious with persistent
callers. |
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Use caution when doing business with contractors for repairs or remodeling
who want you to advance a large sum of money before work begins unless you
are personally acquainted with these individuals. |
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Avoid any "deal" which sounds too good to be true. It probably
is. |
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When you order printed
checks, request that they be delivered to the bank or
credit union rather than have them mailed to your
office or residence. Thieves regularly check
mailboxes, especially those too small to hold a box of
printed checks. Apartment buildings are particularly
susceptible targets. The inconvenience encountered in
stopping by the bank is small indeed when compared to
the problems of having your checks negotiated without
your consent. |
