Keep Your Bank Account Safe From Check Fraud

Checks are a familiar way to pay everyday expenses. However, they can be compromised if you aren't careful, so it's important to keep your checks safe. You're responsible for funds deposited into your account by check, so it's equally important to know how to spot fraudulent checks you receive.

Notice suspicious activity on your account?
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What you need to know

Fraudsters forge details on checks to appear legitimate
Fraudsters pressure their victims to make payments quickly before the checks are exposed as fraudulent by financial institutions
Digital payment options are more secure than checks

How check fraud works

While contactless and electronic payment methods are increasing, checks are still a very common payment method. Individuals that are more susceptible to check fraud include newcomers who've arrived from countries that still use checks regularly, seniors who don't bank online and those who are in vulnerable financial situations, such as fluctuating income or debt. Understanding how check fraud happens is key to protecting yourself.

Here's a common scenario:

You deposit the fraudster's check into your account
The fraudster pressures you to send money before the check clears
Your financial institution determines the check is fake, but you've already lost the money you sent

Types of bad checks

Counterfeit

Fraudsters design counterfeit checks to look just like your bank checks. Counterfeit checks can also take the form of a cashier's check, money order or bank draft.

Forged endorsement

Fraudsters steal checks that are written to you. They forge your signature on the back of the check and deposit it into their account.

Forged

Fraudsters steal legitimate checks and forge your signature.

Altered

Fraudsters change the details on a valid check, such as the payee, date or amount.

Stay safe with our tips

Protect your checks from fraud:

Store checks in a secure location.
Shred unused checks if you've closed your accounts.
Check your account regularly and report any unauthorized transactions.
Take advantage of safer electronic payment options, such as secure digital payment platforms, direct deposit or pre-authorized payments.

Protect yourself from fraudulent checks:

Ensure the individual or company you are doing business with is listed as the remitter on the check (in the top left corner). Don't accept checks written from an unknown party.
Look for alterations, such as inconsistent handwriting or added letters and numbers.
Refuse checks that are made out to someone else but have been signed over to you. It's best to only accept checks from people you know directly.
Don't send money or gift cards to strangers after they've given you a check to deposit.
If you're selling something, refuse checks that are more than the stated price.
Make sure checks are dated correctly. Don't agree to hold checks until a future date or accept post-dated checks.
Wait for a check you've deposited to clear before you transfer funds. Checks can take 5 to 7 business days to clear, and once the check posts to your account, it may take more time for the deposit to clear.

Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.

Contact us immediately if you received a suspicious email or notice any unauthorized activity on your account.

Call us: 877-448-6500 Opens your phone app.

Explore more about check fraud

Internet Crime Complaint Center Opens in a new window.

Report fraud when it happens and track the latest data on fraud happening across the country.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Opens in a new window.

Read about the latest consumer and industry fraud alerts and how to protect your information.

American Bankers Association Opens in a new window.

Get connected with the resources banks use to help you identify, prevent and report fraud.

Protect your bank account from check fraud

What you need to know

How check fraud works

Types of bad checks

Counterfeit

Forged endorsement

Forged

Altered

Stay safe with our tips

Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.

Explore more about check fraud

Continue to Internet Crime Complaint Center site?

Continue to FBI Scams and Safety site?

Continue to American Bankers Association site?