Check fraud is a common form of identity theft. You can be a victim of check fraud by someone you know, or as the subject to random theft if you carry your checkbook with you. Victims of identity theft who have checks stolen should request an immediate stop payment on all outstanding check numbers, close the account, and open a new account. They should also ask the bank to notify the check verification service used to refuse checks drawn on the closed account, which is typically Chex Systems, Inc.
If an identity thief has been opening new accounts in your name, it may be difficult for you to open a new checking account. Chex Systems, Inc., a consumer reporting agency subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, produces reports specifically about checking accounts. You can contact Chex Systems, Inc. directly to request a copy of your consumer report free of charge. Review the information and dispute inaccuracies. It may also be helpful to contact each of the banks where accounts were attempted to be opened and make sure that any fraudulently opened accounts have been closed.
You can contact Chex Systems, Inc. by phone at 1-800-428-9623, on their website, or by writing to them at: Chex Systems, Inc., Attn: Consumer Relations, 7805 Hudson Road, Suite 100, Woodbury, MN 55125.
For more information about identity theft prevention and protection, or to find additional identity theft resources, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.
