I work in a bank and even American Express has been counterfitted sucessfully.

There are numbers you can call and features on the checks to verify if they are legit or not but they add time and expense for the receiver of a cheque. Frankly paper is bulky and the World is going more and more electonic funds.

Pity, they are a good way to protect your money. Mind you mom and dad used American debit and credit cards just fine in Europe. Do stop by your bank(s) before leaving and explain where you are going and the likely expenditures you will make.

Many banks -- ours is one -- subscribe to watchdog services that monitor for unusual activity on a card and alert the bank. 3000 dollars of purchases in Mazatlan could be a credicard theft ring or you on vacation. The bank doesn't know and often acts comnservatively.

Sometimes they can temporarily up your limit if you request it before leaving. Each instituton is different so ask yours for it's policy. And make sure the darn things work before you go. Nothing is worse than carring and expired or damaged card in error. Also debit cards can only access available funds --if it aint' in your acount and cleared/available you can't spend it. Credit cars advance credit to some preset limit. Debit and credit cards work similarly but are very different fish.

Get and use a money belt. Rick Steve's travel books for Europe give great advice on protecting yourself from pickpockets and other thieves. Your local police might even have useful sugestions.

Have a safe trip.

John in Wauwatosa