Identity Theft: Checks
How can identity thieves use my paper checks to steal information from me?
Paper checks are just paper, and the ink on them really can be washed. There are chemicals that you can buy at any hardware store that will wash—literally wash—the ink off of the checks with the exception of your signature. Then they can go ahead and fill out the checks to themselves and then go to your issuing bank and they can cash those checks on their behalf.
What kinds of information do identity thieves steal from paper checks?
In order to prevent identity thieves from using your paper checks to steal information from you, limit the amount of information on your paper checks. Make sure you don't have your social security number printed on those paper checks. Don't have your first name, have your first initial and then your last name, and maybe even have a post office box on your printed checks opposed to your home address.
How much information do I have to give when writing a check?
When writing a check, if the clerk wants your identification, they may very well write down your name and your address as it appears on your driver's license. They may also write down your driver's license number. Now, if your driver's license number is your social security number, that's not such a good idea. In-fact, if your driver's license has your social security number on it - change it to a state issued driver's license number. Other than that, if the clerk is asking you for a social security number, I would give them a fictitious number.
