Thanks to new technology, checking account fraud is on the rise. As a result, North Dallas Bank has implemented several programs and lines of defense to protect against it, but the bottom line is that the first and best protection against check fraud is you.

Here are a few guidelines that will help shore up your defense.

• Do not answer unsolicited requests for sensitive personal information such as checking account or social security numbers.

• Shred temporary checks and other forms like checks for advances on credit cards.

• Destroy unused checks drawn on closed accounts.

• Do not preprint your driver's license or social security number on personal checks.

• Hide checks if sending them by mail by wrapping them in paper or using a thick envelope.

• Always make sure your checks are secure, at home and away.

• Call NDB if recently ordered checks or bank statements do not arrive in a timely manner.

• Double-check the number of checks you ordered against the amount you receive.

• Examine newly received checks for accuracy and that check numbers are consecutive from book to book.

• If you suspect or know your checks have been stolen, call NDB immediately and close any affected accounts.