Answers to common questions about writing and handling checks
To protect yourself from identity theft and fraud, you should be careful about what personal information you include on checks.
Never include these items on a check:
This is the most important piece of information to protect
Some merchants may ask for a partial number, which is safer
Never write any passport details on checks
Never reference your credit cards on checks
These should never be written down, especially on checks
Your checking account number is already on the check; don't add other accounts
This information can be used for identity theft
If not pre-printed on the check, consider using a P.O. box instead
Unless absolutely necessary for verification
This can be used for phishing attempts
When writing in the memo line of a check:
If a merchant requires additional identification, provide it separately rather than writing it on the check itself. Remember that checks pass through many hands during processing, and the information you write on them could be exposed to multiple people.
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