What is Check Fraud?

Check fraud may seem like an old-fashioned scam, but it remains a growing financial risk for consumers of all ages.

Today’s scammers use stolen mail, counterfeit checks, and other financial scams to gain access to money and personal banking information. Because paper checks often contain sensitive account details, they continue to be a common target.

The good news is that a few simple habits can help protect your accounts and reduce your risk of fraud.

This month, we’re partnering with America Saves to share helpful resources on how to recognize the warning signs of check fraud, monitor your accounts, and know what steps to take if something doesn’t look right.

Download the Check Fraud Basics Guide:

Guide

What Is Check Fraud?

Check fraud happens when criminals steal, alter, or misuse checks to access your money or banking information. From stolen mail to counterfeit checks and forged signatures, these scams can happen to anyone. Learn how to spot the warning signs and protect your accounts.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can become a victim of check fraud, certain groups are more frequently targeted, including:

• Renters who pay bills by check
• Small business owners who regularly send or receive checks
• Families managing shared finances and joint accounts
• Older adults, who are often targeted by financial scams
• Young adults, especially those targeted by fake job or payment scams

Simple Ways to Protect Yourself

Reduce your risk of check fraud by following these simple best practices:

• Mail checks from inside your local post office instead of leaving them in an outgoing mailbox.
• Avoid leaving outgoing checks in your mailbox overnight.
• Use gel ink when writing checks and avoid leaving blank spaces that could be altered.
• Monitor your account regularly for unauthorized transactions.
• Set up account alerts to stay informed of activity on your account.
• Be cautious of unexpected checks, especially those received electronically or through messaging apps.
• Never send money back based solely on a “pending” check deposit—it may be part of a scam.