top of page

Experts Say...Don't Abbreviate 2020!

  • Writer: Debora Sanders
    Debora Sanders
  • Jan 27, 2022
  • 1 min read

Hadn't thought about this until I read this article in my Realtor Magazinge. Good advise to protect yourself against fraud in 2020.

Security officials are warning consumers to not abbreviate “2020” in official documents because they say it can be an easy way for scammers to commit forgery. They say the abbreviation makes it easy for scammers to change out the numbers on paperwork. For example, if you write a date like “1/3/20,” scammers could change it to “1/3/2000” or 1/3/2021.” Instead, write out the full year as “1/3/2020” or, better yet, write out the name of the month as well to read "January 3, 2020."

Why would scammers want to change a date?

  • They could seek to establish an unpaid debt

  • Attempt to cash an old check

  • Alter expiration dates on documents and contracts

  • Extend expiration dates on documents and contracts

Police departments across the country have urged the public to write out the year. "This is very sound advice and should be considered when signing any legal or professional document,” the East Millinocket Police Department in Maine wrote in a Facebook post. “It could potentially save you some trouble down the road.”

Source: Realtor Magazine, January 3, 2020

  • Debora Sanders Realtor Instagram - Your Central Coast Realtor
  • Debora Sanders Realtor Facebook
  • Debora Sanders Realtor Youtube
  • Debora Sanders Realtor Linkedin

Sotheby's International Realty
3775 Via Nona Marie Suite 100, Carmel CA 93923
831-620-2936

License: DRE#01966114

PSA_logo_edited.png
WCR logo.jpg
ILHM_Member_Seal_RGB_Small_1187628351_9922.png
ILHM_GUILD_Seal_RGB_Small_1187628351_1170.png
ILHM_CLHMS_Seal_Grayscale_thumbnail_125_1187628351_7872.png

Debora Sanders is a real estate salesperson licensed by the state of California affiliated with Sotheby's International Realty. Sotheby's International Realty is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting, or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

*All Rights Reserved*

Designed by Kollaborativ  

bottom of page