CREDIT CARD AND CHECK FRAUD
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Check and credit card fraud are becoming increasingly more common.  There are several ways perpetrators engage in these types of fraud.

Checks can be taken directly from the victim's home by a friend, family members, or burglars, then used without the victim's permission.  Sometimes checks are taken from the mail before the victim ever receives them; this can be true of new, recently-ordered checks, or preprinted checks addressed directly to the victim from another individual or business.  Check fraud can also occur when a perpetrator somehow gains access to a victim's account number, then uses that number to access the victim's account without permission.  Always be cautious about giving out your account number over the phone or by mail. 

Credit card fraud is perpetrated through similar methods.  Offenders gain access to credit card statements or use the card directly.  Never give your credit card number out on the telephone unless you initiate the call and are reasonably certain regarding the identity of the individual or business with which you are interacting.  Be wary of leaving your credit cards in visible locations.  Individuals may also intercept "pre-approved" credit card offers from the mail and complete them as if they are you---with one exception---they use their own address.  Make sure your mail is secure.

Know when your credit card statements (or bank statements) arrive monthly; if they are late, or do not arrive, contact the financial institution.   If your bank sends you back cancelled checks in your bank statement, store them in a secure location, or shred them before disposing of them.  For additional security, you also may consider shredding credit card statements before discarding them.