Clark Howard's Tips

Checkbook plays role in ID theft

March 11, 2005

Identity theft has become huge, as we all know.

But how and why does it occur?

Many people think that identity theft occurs because of what we do online. But just slightly more than 10 percent happens online. Almost all of it occurs when someone steals your checkbook, your wallet or your mail.

The Internet actually helps in reducing ID theft, according to the Better Business Bureau. Monitoring your checkbook and credit card status online is a huge deterrent to identity theft because people find things quickly and can report them right away.

So, if you still have a checkbook and you refuse to part with it, keep it at home and know where it is at all times.

This is especially important for businesses, which are expected to keep a higher standard of security when it comes to securing checks. Businesses have liability for checks written that are stolen. So, keep very good track of your checks if you own a business.

Consumer advice courtesy of