Checking account information is vulnerable to theft and use by another person to make purchases, either by printing fake checks with the stolen account information, or using the account information on the Internet or over the telephone. Thieves even attempt to use stolen checking member numbers to pay off fraudulently obtained credit cards.

For these reasons, it is very important that consumers take appropriate steps to safeguard their checking account information.

"It is fine to use your checking account information on the Web or over the phone to pay bills or to pay companies you know and trust. But you should safeguard your checking account information, just as you would your address, phone number, Social Security number, and other member numbers," said Elliott C. McEntee, President and Chief Executive Officer of NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association.

NACHA has compiled a list of steps consumers can take to prevent checking member number theft:

• Safeguard your checking account information, just as you would any other sensitive personal information.


• Never give your checking account information to telemarketers or to callers claiming to need to confirm or verify your checking account information.


• Don't carry your checkbook around with you unnecessarily.


• Don't leave bill payments or other checks in your mailbox.


• Always review your monthly account statement, or go to your financial institution's web site to view your account activity more frequently. Report any unauthorized transaction or suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.


• Report lost or stolen checks and checkbooks immediately to your financial institution.


• Tear or shred any old checks or account statements before throwing them away.


• Consider using electronic alternatives to paying by check when making purchases or paying bills. This substantially reduces, or even eliminates, the number of people that see the personal and account information that is printed on your checks, and provides better protection under Federal regulations.


• If you believe your checking account information has been stolen, contact your financial institution immediately.

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