Adding to challenge is that almost every creditor’s statement is slightly different, varying in format and billing cycle and interest calculations. You first want to check what you purchased and what you borrowed, so make sure you save all your receipts to make sure you weren’t charged for something you didn’t buy or were double billed. Immediately dispute any discrepancies via phone and in writing.

Before buying personal or business checks you should inform yourself of best ways to protect yourself from check fraud. Since man has written checks check fraud has existed. Like any fraud, check fraud emerged as crafty con artists discovered they could photocopy checks or alter checks to steal money from innocent victims. Thanks to technological advances and craftier con artists, check fraud is as common as a cup of coffee.

As a consumer you should concern yourself with ways to prevent or reduce chances that checks you write will fall victim to fraud. Fortunately there are many ways to reduce likelihood of fraud. Whether you are a fan of cheap checks, high quality business checks or personal checks that express your personality, there is security available for you. Chances are you'll find what you're looking for and security to protect you from check fraud with a little planning.

Once you know what to look for, there s no reason you should fall victim to thieves, crafty or otherwise. Let's take a look at some common security measures check companies use to protect you from thieves.

Check Security

Many check companies including Deluxe™ checks now offer consumers special features to help prevent likelihood of fraud. Among more common measures adopted to protect consumers include:

• Microprinting - micro printing is simply print on check that is small enough to prevent someone from photocopying information on check.
• Erasure Protection - this protection prevents anyone from erasing information on check. A white spot appears if someone tries this.
• Original Document - each check is printed with words original document that can't be photocopied.

Other companies including Quicken™ checks and Quickbooks™ checks are taking measures to ensure your safety. Among security features adopted by these companies include:

• Small print. Like Deluxe™ checks this prevents thieves from photocopying your information.
• Erasure protection.
• Special detail including foil and embossing. This also makes it difficult for thieves to photocopy checks.