Fast Phile 2
From NPR:
Phoenix is the city most at risk for identity fraud, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Their new survey shows writing a check is not safer than banking online because of a scam called “check washing.” The thief erases the ink on a check and fills in whatever he wants.
Fairly obvious, but it doesn’t mean you should never write a check. Only write checks to people and companies you trust (making a photocopy of the check if you can), and for other transactions use credit/debit cards.
If you’re making a deal with another person (say, for items from Craigslist), be sure to use cash.
Technorati Tags: finance, identity fraud
October 5th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
It’s a lot more safe to use black ink, especially gel ink, because it’s a lot more resistant to washing.
http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2006/02/check_washing.html