What Are Security Tips When Writing Checks?
Cheques are the most popular way to pay for goods and services. They can be used to make payments for items such as insurance premiums, rent, bills, and salaries. Cheques are a form of legal tender that has existed since the 16th century. Security tips are essential when writing checks. When you write a check, you give your bank the power to debit your checking account. This can be done electronically or by the bank handing you a check and telling you how much to write.
Here are several security tips to consider when writing a check;
Void any mistakes
When writing a check, it’s essential to make sure you have the right amount of money in your account. If you don’t, the check could be returned to you, and your bank will charge a fee for the dishonor. However, other ways to check fraud can occur. Check the account balance before writing any checks or deposits to know what is available for payment. This can help prevent fraudsters from getting away with stolen money or checks written on someone else’s account.
Fill out all fields correctly.
Writing Blue secure checks should be easy, but it’s always good practice to double-check every detail before signing them off on paper or electronically. Make sure there are no typos or misspelled words in any information on the front of your checkbook register, such as name and address or email, phone number, account number, and routing number, if applicable. Also, ensure no extra spaces between words in any of those fields. This can confuse processing at your bank or other financial institution, where they’ll process your payment order against your account(s).
Keep checkbooks secure
Checkbooks should be kept in a safe place where no one else can access them but you. This may mean keeping them locked away in your home or office or storing them at a bank where only you can access them. Leave your checkbook at home when going out for groceries or other errands so no one can take it from you as soon as you leave the store.
Draw a line after check amount
Drawing a line after the check amount is one of the most important security tips when writing checks. If you don’t draw a line, others can see that the check is part of a series and will be able to see what’s written on the preceding line. This is especially true if you’re simultaneously writing checks for several different people or businesses. Draw a line to figure out who wrote what on which check.
Make sure your name is legible
If you write your name on a check, ensure it is clear and legible so that someone can easily read it without any problems or confusion. If other people need to see your name as well, then make sure they can find out who you are by using some identifying mark such as an address or phone number or even something unique like your school ID number or social security.
Use enough space
In addition to the usual space requirements for writing a check, you should leave enough room at the bottom of the first line to write your name. A good rule of thumb is about 1/4 inch space between each line and about an inch between each column. If you are using a checkbook register, you can also use a nameplate like you would use one for an envelope or package.
Record transactions and reconcile statements
Get a record of each check you write. You can do this by keeping a running log of every check you write and entering them into your bank’s online banking system. You may also want to consider using software for this purpose if you are not comfortable doing so manually. Also, reconcile your checking account statements with the records you have kept, such as deposits, to ensure that all records are accurate and up-to-date.
Conclusion
There are several tips you should know when writing checks. These tips will keep you more secure and prevent you from paying extra fees due to fraud. Following the rules below, you can write a check and feel confident that your money is secure.
