Don't Sell Your Identity for a Box of Girl Scout Cookies

It's Girl Scout cookie time again.

I love their cookies (Thin Mints and Tagalongs in particular), and the Girl Scout organization. Between my daughter's friends and the sales at the local supermarket, I usually end up with a freezer full of cookies.

But I was appalled recently when I went to write a check for the cookies I ordered and was told in no uncertain terms that I had to write my Driver's License number on my check! When I refused, I was told I couldn't pay by check.

What are they thinking??

My good friend is a Girl Scout troop leader, and the training she receives is rigorous. She's been through many hours of classes -- many designed to ensure the girls who participate are safe. Yet the same organization is putting their supporters at risk by insisting that driver's license numbers be recorded on checks.

How many hands do those checks go through? How are they secured before they reach the bank where they are cashed? What happens if even one identity is stolen as a result of this policy?

Maybe along with the cookies, Girl Scouts should also sell identity theft resolution services.

Gerri Detweiler – Personal finance author, radio host and credit expert. Gerri contributes budgeting, debt recovery and savings information online.