Dangers

• Cunning thieves target checking accounts, knowing their victims may spend perhaps years digging out and fixing their credit history. This type of fraud often gets less attention than other types but can prove the most challenging to clean up, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.
  
  

Types of Fraud

• Checking accounts fall victim to thieves in many ways. These may include theft of your checks and check washing, with information chemically removed so the thief can alter names, dates and figures. With a blank check or deposit slip, he can easily create copies and use the account, regardless of the amount of money in it. Sometimes, a criminal will open a new account, using your name and information. The U.S. Department of Justice warns that thieves often target your garbage to find checking information.
  
  

Warning Signs

• Checking accounts are prime targets for identity thieves.signing check image by jovica antoski from Fotolia.com
  
  Watch for signs of fraud against you or your existing checking account. Signs of trouble, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, include: not receiving a bank statement; changes or transactions you did not authorize; checks with an unknown signature; notices of insufficient funds on checks you did not issue; checks being declined; legal or bank notices about problems with your checking account; checks that do not match yours; and letters about an account you did not open.
  
  

Protecting Yourself

• StreetWise, a program of the Digital Federal Credit Union, recommends the following security measures when issuing checks: using checks with built-in security, using only ballpoint pen, writing in cursive only when signing the check because changing printed words is difficult; keeping checks in a safe place and shredding any you do not issue; and favoring a check card over paper checks. When receiving a check, endorse it only at the bank, restrict it only for deposit when you can and reject any check that looks suspicious. The U.S. Justice Department recommends never giving banking information over the phone and restricting who you give that data to.
  
  

Repairing the Damage

• Getting your account cleared will take effort and time because a thief can use a fraudulent checking account indefinitely and vendors have no way of knowing about it. If you fall victim, call police as soon as you realize it and ask for a copy of the police report so you can forward it to everyone who received a fraudulent check, as well as the bank involved and collection agencies that have been alerted. Keep everything in writing and close any accounts that have been part of the scam. Work with the police and bank, and realize this will take some time and money to repair.