This one came across the transom from the mil email net…
Not only do we have to break the habit of writing 2019, when we really mean 2020, but the dawn of a new decade also creates a unique opportunity for scammers, says Ira
Rheingold, executive director for the National Association of Consumer Advocates. How exactly, you ask?
When the year 2020 is abbreviated on official forms and documents, those looking to exploit unsuspecting people can manipulate the numbers and leave people potentially
vulnerable to fraud. For example, a document dated 1/4/20 can easily be changed to 1/4/2021 by adding two numbers at the end. There are several ways that could pose a problem. Rheingold cited the example of a stale check, or one that was written more than six months or so ago. If you have an old check lying around that’s dated 1/4/20 and someone finds it, they could add “21” to the end of that date, and voila, the check is no longer stale.
Or, let’s say you sign a credit contract – an agreement between a borrower and a lender – and date it 1/4/20. Say you miss a month or two of payments, and the lender goes to
collect the debt that’s owed. Theoretically, they could add “19” to the end of that date and argue that you owe more than a year’s worth of payments, Rheingold said.
We could go on, but far be it for us to give scammers more bright ideas. We’ll just leave you with a PSA that consumer advocates, auditors, and police departments around the
country have been issuing: When you write a date on a document, don’t shorthand the year 2020 to just “20.” Write out the whole thing (it’s only two more numbers, after all).
It’s still early in the year and there’s no evidence yet that anyone has been scammed in this manner (yet). But it’s better to be safe than sorry. “It’s just another precaution, another chance to warn people that there are folks out there who will take advantage of you,” Rheingold said.
Sigh… Give the scammers ONE little in and they’ll try for that mile of advantage…
Good advice. Back in the day I gave an ex-con a chance and hired him. Later, he asked me for a small loan and I wrote out a check for $20.00. About ten minutes later he returned the check to me and it was for $2,000! He explained he appreciated my taking a chance with him and wanted to do something in return. He then taught me how to write out a check to prevent alteration. Many years later some of my checks were stolen. The bank had no problems telling mine from the forgeries.
I wonder, was this an issue in 1919? In 1818? 1717? etc.
Will it be an issue in 2121?
WSF- Ouch, and yes, if there is a way, it WILL be figured out…
Orvan- You can bet on it, IF checks still exist…
I was taught, back when they actually taught life skills in school, to wright the full 4 digit year, but no explanation given. I always thought the teacher was just… a tad conservative.
Amazing how that teacher, whose name I can’t recall (always been bad with people’s names,) has been so right about so many things.
Fussy little man. Probably one of those quiet Audie Murphy types when he was younger. Had that stare, dontcha know.
And… scammers suck. But that is what the brush grill on a beater pickup is for. Among other things.
Another reason I prefer 2FEB2020. Of course, it could be altered to 12 or 22 FEB2020. Scammers suck.
Off topic(ish) but just noticed that a medical bill was subject to Baylor Scott & White’s financial assistance program — I read the small print and ended up not having to pay. Big relief.
So, attention to detail.