How safe are electronic payment systems compared to checks?

How safe are electronic payment systems compared to checks?

Robert Siciliano (Identity Theft Expert and CEO) gives expert video advice on: How can I protect my computer network from identity thieves?; How can I protect myself from identity theft online?; What makes a good password? and more...

The problem with paper checks is that first off, they can easily be stolen out of the mail. When you put them out in the mail, anybody could take them out or your mailbox in transit and they can wash them, meaning they can change the payee to themselves and they can actually cash those checks under your name. Whereas if it's an electronic funds transfer, all this information is transferred electronically. People never really touch those checks, they never access that information. So it's that much more secure because people aren't involved.