Identity Theft - Check Fraud
If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently:
1. Ask your bank to report it to ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency that compiles reports on checking accounts.
2. Place a security alert on your file using this website.
3. Complete the ID Theft Affidavit (See attachment 1) and provide a copy to all businesses or individuals that the imposter has written fraudulent checks.
4. Close your checking account and obtain new account number(s).
5. If your own checks are rejected at store where you shop, contact the check verification company that the merchant uses. The major ones are listed below:
- Certegy (previously Equifax) 1-800-437-5120
- SCAN 1-800-262-7771
- Telecheck 1-800-710-9898
- International Check Services 1-800-526-5380
- CrossCheck 1-800-843-0760
Under a new federal law, you now have the right to obtain any reports that these companies compile about you. For any of the check verification companies that you had to contact as a result of your identity theft situation, we recommend that you request a copy of your file once each year and review it (them) to make sure that your file has been corrected.
6. File a report with the local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Keep a copy of the police report. If you can't get a copy of the police report, request the report number and keep it in your personal files. You may need this report to validate your claims to creditors.
