Why you shouldn't abbreviate 2020 when signing documents

Authorities are giving a word of advice when it comes to abbreviating 2020 in the new year.

If you sign a document and only put 20 as the year, someone could modify it to include a different year.

Auditors say by writing out 2020 it could potentially save you some trouble down the road.

Auditor Dusty Rhodes tweeted, "Example: If you just write 1/1/20, one could easily change it to 1/1/2017 (for instance) and now your signature is on an incorrect document."

More tips to keep you protected in 2020 from the Better Business Bureau here.

Ira Rheingold, the executive director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, told USA Today that the threat is real.

"Say you agreed to make payments beginning on 1/15/20. The bad guy could theoretically establish that you began owing your obligation on 1/15/2019, and try to collect additional $$$."