Abagnale suggests the following basic measures to protect against check fraud and identity theft:

• Wrap It Up – When giving monetary gifts, avoid placing checks in the mail. If unavoidable, make sure the check is wrapped with a sheet of paper or in a card, making the check less likely to be viewed outside of the envelope.

• Be Secure – Never leave mail in an unsecured mailbox. Instead, drop your outgoing mail at a post office or locked postal boxes. Abagnale says approximately 99 percent of all checks that are washed are stolen out of home mailboxes.

• Beware Of Too Much Stuffing – If public mailboxes are nearly full, find another secure box to drop your mail in. Thieves prey on mailboxes that fill up during the weekend because access is easy.

• Check Your Checks – Using secure checks is an important component in preventing check fraud. Highly secure checks should include at least eight safety features, including controlled paper, a true watermark, thermochromatic ink, and toner anchorage on laser checks for business use.

• Leave A Lasting Mark – Use a uni-ball 207 gel pen when signing checks. The black ink in the 207 is bold and contains color pigments that absorb into paper fibers.

• Examine Financial Statements – As soon as you receive bank and credit card statements, carefully make sure you purchased everything mentioned.

• Invest In A Shredder – When throwing away sensitive documents, always destroy it first. Crosscut shredders are your best bet because they cut your data into tiny squares, making it almost impossible to piece your information back together.

• So Many Passwords – You may be tempted to use the same password for everything, keeping things simple. Remember that if anyone cracks your personal code, access will be granted to all your personal accounts. Take the time to create unique and original passwords for all your personal accounts.

• Keep Social Security Information Close – Employers, credit grantors and schools may need your Social Security number, but your grocery store’s savings club does not. When someone asks for it, ask why it’s needed, where it will be used and how it will be kept secure.

• Only Carry What You Need – It’s one thing to be prepared, but you really aren’t going to need your Social Security card when you run to the grocery store. Keep any unessential cards locked up at home.

• Secure The Office Front – After safely stowing your personal belongings in your work area, look into company security procedures. Talk to your boss and explain the importance of keeping personal information confidential.

For more tips and information about protecting yourself against check fraud and identity theft, go to www.abagnale.com. In addition, his new book – “Real U – Guide To Identity Theft” – is now available online and at bookstores nationwide.