An unprotected check is a gold mine for criminals.
Understanding scammer tactics is your first line of defense. It all starts with them getting their hands on one of your real checks. Learn how they exploit stolen info to hijack your funds.
Stolen Checks
Criminals frequently raid mailboxes and intercept mail, snatching checks so they can alter them and steal your money.
Tampered Checks
Scammers employ chemicals to “wash” checks, erasing and rewriting details to siphon funds into their accounts.
Fake Checks
Armed with routing and account numbers, criminals easily craft counterfeit checks using modern printers and software.
Protect Your Checks
- Just like wearing your seatbelt when you fly, protect yourself by using permanent ink when you write a check.
- Fill those overhead compartments before takeoff! Similarly, make sure you fill out every blank space on a check so criminals can’t fill them in instead.
- The person in the middle seat doesn’t need to know your whole life story, just like you don’t need to add personal info to your checks.
- Monitor your account activity on your online banking platform as attentively as you await a safe arrival message from a loved one. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything out of the ordinary.
- Regularly review your paid checks on your online banking platform as thoroughly as airport staff check your boarding pass. Ensure the endorsement is correct and reflects the intended payee and amount to guard against fraud.
- If you’re switching to digital boarding passes, why not switch to your bank’s payment app or online bill pay for fast and secure payments?
- Just as you confirm your flight details, make sure to follow up with payees to confirm they’ve received and deposited your check.
American Bankers Association
March 28, 2025
