WAYS TO THWART FORGERS AND OTHER FRAUD ARTISTS

Because your personal and financial information is stored in many different computers and data banks in untold locations, there is nothing you can do to guarantee you'll never be the victim of identity fraud. However, if you practice these safeguards, you'll greatly reduce the chances that a fraud artist accesses information about you and your finances:

YOUR PERSONAL CHECKS

Do not have your driver's license number or social security number preprinted on your checks. Clerks and cashiers are less likely to require a criminal imposter who's passing your lost or stolen check to present an ID if either of these items is printed thereon

Keep your unused supply of blank checks well hidden from any visitors in your house, to include domestic help, repairmen, party guests, etc.

Destroy all cancelled checks after five years

If you switch banks or close an account, don't throw away your old checks and deposit slips-destroy them immediately. The same goes for old bank statements not needed for tax purposes

When paying a bill with a check by mail, don't mail the check from a residential mailbox for later pick up-drop the bill in a US Mailbox. Usually it's obvious these envelopes contain a check for payment.

ACCEPTING CHECKS IN PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS

Never accept checks that are post-dated or from strangers on high-ticket items (e.g., automobile purchase). If the check is later returned as NSF or Account Closed, you'll probably spend a great deal of time and money trying to recover your property. Worse yet, you may discover the check is forged. Either way, you suffer the loss of money, time, and aggravation.

FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARDS (CREDIT CARDS, ATM CARDS, DEBIT CARDS

Sign the back of them as soon as you receive them

Carry with you only the cards you need; rarely used cards should be kept hidden

Safeguard your receipts until you can reconcile them with your card statement. After doing so, destroy the old receipts and statements after a few months, unless you have some compelling reason to save them. If you do, hide them.

SOLICITATIONS

Most people get many offers in the mail, inviting them to apply for loans and credit cards. Some credit card companies often send blank convenience checks to their cardholders. If you're not going to complete the applications or use the checks, destroy them immediately.

It's generally wise to ignore any notification (either via mail or telephone) that you've won a prize but must remit an amount of money in order to claim it. Most legitimate contests award their prizes without requiring payment from their winners. As always, caveat emptor. Also, a legitimate contest will not require you to pay taxes on your winnings prior to receiving it. Uncle Sam and the IRS will come calling, but only AFTER you've been awarded your prize.

Responding to telemarketers from companies with which you're familiar and may already do business is generally safe; however, those that you don't know is another issue. Either way, NEVER give any personal information (name, social security number, credit card numbers, etc.) to anyone who calls you. Even if they claim to be from your bank or insurance company, they already have this information and they don't need you to give it to them again. Obviously, if you know them and initiate the call yourself, use your discretion in answering any questions the may ask.

If strangers approach you about paving, painting, or doing other jobs around your home, etc., check them out thoroughly prior to agreeing to do business with them. The single best way to do this is ask them for references. Honest people shouldn't mind providing them to you. Then get a couple of estimates. Whomever you decide to hire, avoid making any payments to them until the work is completed. Sometimes, these door-to-door offers are made by those using inferior materials and/or intimidation techniques to bully more money from the customer than originally agreed upon.

Be wary of anyone who telephones you or appears unsolicited at your door offering to "fix" or update your health insurance or Medicare. These people usually charge a fee and ask for personal information, such as social security numbers. Give them NO information. They're likely trying to scam you or get your ID information to use to defraud others.

If anyone claiming to be with a law enforcement agency ever calls you, needing for you to give them YOUR money in order to catch a thief, get as much information as you can an immediately notify your local police. Legitimate police departments will NEVER ask you to use your own money in an investigation. The same goes for anyone purporting to be a bank examiner, etc.

DESTROYING

old checks, bank statements, receipts, tax forms, etc., can do much to thwart a crook bent on stealing your identity. Consider buying a quality personal shredder (usually no more than $50.00 at a discount or office supply store). It's a small investment to make considering the loss of money and time that can be incurred if these personal documents fall into the wrong hands. While you're shredding documents, don't forget to include address labels from catalogues and other old mail. Remember that anything you discard that has your name, etc., on it is fair game for anyone looking for information about you.