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Keep Your Checks in Check
Since 2021, check fraud reports have nearly doubled. Here is how to stay one step ahead with smart, safe check practices.
Even as fewer people use checks, check fraud is on the rise, and fast. While digital payments have grown, checks are still a trusted tool for many individuals and businesses. Since 2021, check fraud reports have nearly doubled. Here is how to stay one step ahead with smart, safe check practices.
Understand Criminal Tactics
Criminals are known to raid mailboxes and take off with checks so they can alter them and steal your money. One way to prevent this is by not leaving your mail in your mailbox overnight or for long periods. 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. Instead, mail it from a USPS location to ensure it lands safely.
If criminals intercept your 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 accounts. Lastly, suppose a criminal gets hold of your account and routing number. In that case, they can store that information away and easily steal your money by creating counterfeit checks using modern printers and software.
Practice Safe Checks
Remember, whenever you write a check, you expose your personal information, such as your name, contact information, and bank account number. If digital banking options aren’t an option, keep these tips in mind to practice check safety:
Use permanent pens and ink when writing a check.
Avoid blank spaces. Ensure you fill out every blank space on a check so criminals can't fill them in instead.
Withhold personal information. You don’t need to add personal information like a driver's license number to your checks.
Monitor your account activity online or in the Frandsen Bank & Trust mobile app. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything unusual.
Consider switching to online bill pay for fast and secure digital payments.
Follow up with payees to confirm they've received and deposited your check.
For more resources and videos on how to PracticeSafeChecks, visit the American Bankers Association resource PracticeSafeChecks.com.
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