Check Fraud Tips to Portect Yourself

I received a check in the mail via United Parcel Services, yesterday in the amount of $5,999.00. There was nothing else in the envelope just the check. On the check it stated that it was from Columbia University, New York, NY, and that it was issued by Wachovia Bank. When holding it up to the light it even looked like it had a watermark embossed on the back. I don't live in New York, nor do I work or have ever attended Columbia University. Did I strike it rich or something? No I was a victim of a potential scam, and if I had attempted to cash that check I could have faced fees, fines and possibly have gone to jail.

If you believe you've been victimized by a fraudster, contact your nearest Postal Inspection Service office by calling 1-877-876-2455. If you'd like to learn more about common consumer scams, these websites can help: www.fakechecks.org,www.usps.com/postalinspectors www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com
www.ic3.gov www.ftc.gov

Some tips on how to protect yourself.

Buy and use a paper shredder. Shred any documents that have your social security number or other financial information, such as your bank account numbers, credit card numbers etc. There are some people who actually go through your trash to obtain your information. Be careful what you throw away.

Report lost or stolen checks immediately. The bank can block payment on the check numbers that are missing.

Look at the checks that you just received, are any of them missing from inside the book? They may have been stolen if there are numbers missing call your bank immediately and freeze those numbers

Actually look at the charges that are being placed against your credit cards, some people just pay their bill and not look at what is being charged, if you see anything suspicious call the Credit card company immediately and put a dispute on that item.

Look at your check statement, if there are checks on there that you do not recognize someone might have stolen a check and put in a change of address.

Store your new and cancelled checks, credit card statements, medical bills, anything with confidential information, in a safe place and shred them when you are done with them

Don't put your mail in your outside mail chute for postal pick up, get out walk to the mailbox and drop it into a secure site.