So liquid's post about gmail got me thinking about other identity theft type stuff. How are personal check's safe at all? They have your name, address, routing number, & bank account number all printed clear as day on them. Anyone of the same sex as you could receive a personal check from you & copy down your info & go into the bank & make a withdrawal from your account. No photo ID is required in most bank's as long as you have your account number. I haven't used checks in several years personally, but just wanted to know some thoughts on this.

I don't know about that.
Most banks require an ID when you make a withdrawal.
They usually have you swipe your ATM card and enter your PIN.

I feel so completely unsafe with the idea of personal checks that I haven't used one in almost two years. I pay all of my bills online (believe it or not even that makes me feel safer) and otherwise pay for face to face transactions with cash or credit/debit. personal checks or no, I suppose if someone wants your information, they can get it. at least by no longer using checks I'm not actually handing someone my information. besides, nothing is more irritating than standing in a busy line and the old lady in front of you pulls out her check book to pay.

side note - I was a victim of identity fraud a couple of years ago. how they got my information, I don't know. they completely drained my checking account. my bank was able to trace the transaction and determine that they blew all the money on an online cellphone shop. they bought dozens and dozens of expensive cell phones on my dime. now that was a creepy feeling.

Not around here, at least mine doesn't. Hell, my Parent's don't even have an ATM card.

This would solve the problem though. Maybe the Midwest is behind the times?

Ok. That's scary.

Similar in Hawaii. Most/all banks that I have been to in the last couple years do not require PIN input for transactions. I was kind of surprised when I moved up here that banks had those keypads at the teller windows.

I would imagine that the requirement of physical presence plus security cameras in a bank setting would be something of a deterrent.

Honestly, nothing is really 100% safe in any circumstance. If someone is resourceful and determined, they can get your information. You just have to be vigilant in watching for suspicious activity and taking reasonable precautions.

Noted - Don't send checks to the Mid-West and Hawaii

Duh

I wouldn't worry about Hawaii. I doubt your bank has a branch out there.

I don't have to enter a pin when I deal with a teller-I've never seen that. ID is always required though. I can't imagine a bank not asking for this-Change banks!

Then again, i do almost 99% of my banking online or at an ATM anyway.

My bank tellers ask for my password when I want to do anything with my account.