Avoid Fraud in 2020 By Writing the Complete Date
Protect your documents from scammers who could change the date on your important documents.
Scammers could make your 2020 miserable if you abbreviate the year as ‘20 when dating legal documents, authorities are warning.
That ‘20 could be turned into “2018” or “2019” on a check or other legal document, setting you up for fraud, according to the Takoma Park Police Department in Takoma Park, Maryland.
For instance, the scammers could date that captured check to “2021” and attempt to cash it again next year. Another scenario: Say you signed documents agreeing to start paying debt on 1/3/20. That could be turned into 1/3/2019, and the scammers could attempt to collect past debt.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The simple solution: Fully write out the year -- 2020 -- on any legal documents, authorities say.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Bob was Senior Editor at Kiplinger.com for seven years and is now a contributor to the website. He has more than 40 years of experience in online, print and visual journalism. Bob has worked as an award-winning writer and editor in the Washington, D.C., market as well as at news organizations in New York, Michigan and California. Bob joined Kiplinger in 2016, bringing a wealth of expertise covering retail, entertainment, and money-saving trends and topics. He was one of the first journalists at a daily news organization to aggressively cover retail as a specialty and has been lauded in the retail industry for his expertise. Bob has also been an adjunct and associate professor of print, online and visual journalism at Syracuse University and Ithaca College. He has a master’s degree from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a bachelor’s degree in communications and theater from Hope College.
-
Best Banks for Retirees 2025
National banks offer a wide variety of accounts and services, including wealth and investment management. Here's Kiplinger's pick of the best.
-
Best Banks for High-Net-Worth Clients 2025
National banks offer a wide variety of accounts and services, including wealth and investment management. Here's Kiplinger's pick of the best.
-
How to Guard Against the New Generation of Fraud and Identity Theft
Fraud and identity theft are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Stay ahead of the scammers with our advice.
-
12 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scams
Think you can spot the telltale signs of frauds and scams? Follow these 12 tips to stay safe from evolving threats and prevent others from falling victim.
-
Watch Out for These Travel Scams This Summer
These travel scams are easy to fall for and could wreck your summer. Take a moment to read up on the warning signs and simple ways to protect yourself.
-
How to Guard Against Identity Theft in 2025
Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.
-
Social Media Scams Cost Consumers $2.7B, Study Shows
Scams related to online shopping, investment schemes and romance top the FTC's social media list this year.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and More
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
Tired of Scam Text Messages? The FCC Cracks Down
New scam text message rules from the FCC require carriers to block texts from bad numbers and protect consumers.