Misused Checking Accounts

If an identity thief steals your paper checks, uses the account number from the bottom of your checks, or opens a new account in your name, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible and ask them to close your account.

Federal law doesn’t limit your loss if a thief forges your signature on your checks or uses your account number to buy something by phone. But most states hold banks responsible for losses from those fraudulent transactions. For their part, banks expect you to take reasonable care of your accounts. That means you might be responsible for a loss if you know there’s a problem but you don’t report it to your bank quickly.

If you are working with a bank or financial institution to resolve an identity theft-related problem, and you need help, contact the agency that oversees the bank or financial institution.

How to Report Stolen Checks

  1. Contact your financial institution.
    1. Ask it to stop payment on stolen checks and close your account.
    2. Ask it to report the theft to its check verification system.
      The check verification system will tell businesses to refuse the stolen checks.
  2. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

OR

  1. Contact check verification companies.
    1. Report that your checks were stolen.
    2. Ask them to tell businesses to refuse the stolen checks.
      Telecheck 1-800-710-9898    |  Certegy 1-800-437-5120
  2. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

How to Report Checking Accounts Opened in Your Name

  1. Contact ChexSystems, Inc., to request a free ChexSystems report.
    1. Order a free copy of the ChexSystems report that lists checking accounts opened in your name.
      ChexSystems, Inc.
      consumerdebit.com
      1-800-428-9623
  2. Contact every financial institution where a new account was opened.
    1. Ask the financial institution to close the account.
  3. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

What If a Business Rejects Your Checks?

  1. Ask the business for an explanation.
    The business must tell you what information it used to decide to reject the check.
  2. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

What If a Thief Passes Bad Checks in Your Name?

  1. Contact the business that took the bad check.
    1. Explain that you are a victim of identity theft before they start collection action against you.
  2. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.