The first scam: Bogus collection agencies calling to say they’ve got your bad check and you can save your credit by payng them NOW.

Do not respond to this kind of message – not even to tell them they’re crazy – until you Google them, then check the Better Business Bureau. They could be a fake agency out to get either your money or your identity.

The second scam: Someone takes a check you’ve written, and using the information, prints new checks. Then using a fake ID that says they’re you, starts writing checks. Some of these folks use a bogus account number so the money never comes out of your account, but if they’ve got enough of your info, it will still go on your credit report as a black mark. And the person who took the check will still turn it over for collection.

The solution: Never put your SS # on your checks, for starters. Then always balance your bank statement immediately when it comes in. If you see checks you didn’t write, get busy! Actually, you can go on line to your bank and check your account every few days – that’s the safest.

If it happens to you, immediately contact your bank, the collection agency, and the retailer who took the check… and then file an identity theft report with local law enforcement and the FTC. Then contact a credit bureau and put a fraud alert on your file.

For protection: Keep a close eye on your credit report. Your thief may have used your bank account numbers and/ or Social security number with a different address and phone number – you could have collections piling up that would take your score down to the bottom of the pit.

Get your free credit report and information on protecting yourself at www.allcreditscoresnow.com. Don’t wait until tomorrow – do it today!