12 Tips for Preventing Check Fraud

Checking account fraud is growing fast.  According to the Federal Reserve,
$10 Billion will be lost this year as a result of check fraud.  Home computer
equipment can produce professional-looking color documents which thieves
use to create counterfeit checks.  Here are 12 things you can do to avoid check fraud.

1. Never respond to unsolicited requests for checking
   account, social security or other financial information.
   
2. Keep checks safe at home or on you; never leave
   them in your car or workplace.
   
3. Shred unused checks before discarding, even those from a
   closed account.
   
4. Destroy convenience checks (like those that allow cash
   advances on credit cards) before discarding.
   
5. Never have your social security or driver's license number
   preprinted on your checks.
   
6. When mailing checks, use a heavy envelope or wrap them
   in paper to make them harder to view through the envelope.
   
7. Contact your bank or postal authorities if newly ordered checks
   or routine bank statements do not arrive in a timely manner.
   
8. Know how many checks you ordered; verify your order and
   the accuracy of the information on your checks.
   
9. If personal checks or any checks payable to you are stolen,
   immediately notify your bank to close the compromised accounts
   and file a police report.
   
10. Check your balance frequently and promptly review and
    reconcile checking account statements for accuracy
    and fraud.
    
11. Consider shopping elsewhere if the merchant requires
    your social security number to make a purchase.
    
12. If you live in a state that uses your social security
    number as your driver's license number, request an
    alternative random number.

Rockville Bank is always concerned about your safety and security.  We hope
that these tips will be helpful to you in securing your important information.

Thank you for choosing Rockville Bank.