You might ignore this advice, as I would have at an earlier, more naïve time in my life. If you are like I was then, these measures might seem extreme. Believe me when I tell you they are not. If you think the companies, like Telecheck, who validate checks electronically might be a potential help, they will not. The check clearing companies do not care about consumers, they do not even use the driver's license information that most proprietors verify when a check is written! If you are unlucky enough to have this happen to you, you will undoubtedly be shocked, as I was, to hear the police tell you that you are not the victim! …