1. Issuing personal checks to unfamiliar people is a no-no. Instead, give them cash, issue a bank draft or money order. Even if online banking is something which you never did, any person can obtain funds on the Internet coming from any of your accounts.

2. Keep this in mind all the time: Thieves will not be able to get into your bedroom or office, but they know that you throw bank reports in the trash so that is where they get private information and oftentimes, they are able to get what they want. Consider buying a paper shredder.