5. Pay Attention to Billing and Bank Statements Monitor transactions on your online account and review bank and credit card statements as soon as they arrive. Most banks follow the industry standard of ‘bulk filing’ checks, which means that incoming items are not immediately reviewed for authenticity or alteration, or to verify that the signature on the check is authorized. Immediately dispute any unauthorized charges or transactions. If there is a long series of unauthorized charges, your bank or creditor may disclaim liability if you had received notice of these charges and failed to respond promptly.
6. Scrutinize Requests for Driver’s License or Social Security Numbers
Expect to present ID when writing a check, but know that California merchants cannot record credit card information as ID on a check. Also, merchants are not allowed to record personal information, such as date of birth, on credit card transactions. Never have your SSN or driver’s license number printed on your checks. 7. Know Businesses’ Information-sharing Policies Ask for and review the privacy policies of the companies with which you do business. Opt out of any information-sharing agreement that makes you uncomfortable. 8. Bank Safely Online Take precautions to prevent thieves from accessing your online bank account and initiating unauthorized transactions such as wire transfers. Never share your password or allow others to remotely access your computer. Also, change your password often, avoiding obvious password choices. Always log out of online banking before leaving your computer. NOTE: Exercise extreme caution when someone asks for you to wire funds. They may also ask you to not speak to anyone about the matter and to make up a false reason for the bank.
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