CHECK FRAUD - FORGED CHECKS PROTECTION GUIDE

COUNTERFEIT CHECKS - CREDIT CARD FRAUD

Since October 1999, we have seen a steady increase in financial fraud. Normally, from October through February is the most busy time of the year for scam artists.

If you are a consumer, you must always be extra cautious particularly in shopping center and at the ATM machines. Among the crowds will be scam artist waiting for the right moment to catch you off guard. Safety Tips to follow:

1. Should you write a check for your purchase, make sure you only provide only the necessary identification required--your name, address, phone number, and your driver license or state ID. Many merchants are now requiring your SSN. Unless you want to purchase the item from this particular merchant, DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, go somewhere else,
2. Take your time at the counter. Make sure you retrieve your ID or Driver License, credit card and your credit slip after your purchase,
3. Secure your receipts in a safe place on your person as you shop. A scam artist can have a heyday with a lost credit slip,
4. Your pocketbook should always be securely closed and if available with a shoulder strap, it should be criss-crossed over your shoulder.
5. If you are a business merchant you must remember that credit card fraud and check fraud will be you biggest enemy in the course of your business trade.
   
   

Let your guard down, I assure you that regardless the amount of sales you make, losses to credit card and check fraud can make or break you. Put your staff on HIGH alert. You need to train your sales clerk in the acceptance of checks and credit cards. If you are not sure what to teach them, ask your banker or local law enforcement what information is needed from your customer at the point of sale.