Prevent Check Fraud with these Safety Tips
Despite the fact that check use has declined by 25%, reports of check fraud have soared. In fact, they’ve nearly doubled since 2021 according to a 2024 report from the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to steal financial information and money. Country Club Bank is committed to educating our clients for fraud awareness and providing methods to use checks safely.
Understanding the tactics criminals use can be your first line of defense.
Criminals are known to raid mailboxes and take off with checks so they can alter them and steal money. One way to prevent this from happening is by not leaving mail in the mailbox overnight or for long periods of time. If you’re heading out of town, you can pause your mail delivery for peace of mind. If you’re sending a check in the mail, don’t drop it in your mailbox or use USPS blue box. Instead, mail it from inside a USPS location to help prevent issues.
If criminals get ahold of a check, they could use what’s known as check washing. Chemicals are used to “wash” checks, erasing and rewriting details to siphon funds into their own accounts. Lastly, if a criminal gets ahold of your account and routing number, they can stow that information away, and easily steal money by creating counterfeit checks using modern printers and software.
Remember, every time you write a check, you expose personal information, such as your name, contact information and bank account number. If digital banking options aren’t available, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Permanent Gel Pens
Use permanent ink when you write a check to protect yourself.
- Avoid Blank Spaces
Make sure you fill out every blank space on a check so criminals can't fill them in instead.
- Withold Personal Information
Your memo line is for short notes, you don't need to add additional personal info to your checks.
- Review Accounts
Monitor your account activity online or in our online banking app. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything out of the ordinary.
- Check Your Checks
Regularly review your paid checks online and in our app. Ensure the endorsement is correct and reflects the intended payee and amount to guard against fraud.
- Use Digital Payment Options
Consider using our online banking solutions for fast and secure payments.
- Follow Up
Make sure to follow up with payees to confirm they've received and deposited your check.