Check Safety Guide

Step 1:

Recognize that checks contain sensitive information 

An unprotected check is a gold mine for criminals. 

• Your name and contact information can be taken.
• Account and routing numbers can be stolen. 
• Blank spaces can leave room for alterations. 
• Information in the memo line can be too personal. 
• Your signature can be stolen to forge other documents. 

Step 2:

Understand the mechanics of check theft, washing and forging.

Check Theft:  Criminals frequently raid mailboxes and intercept mail, snatching checks to access and manipulate your personal details. 

Check Washing:  Scammers will use chemicals to “wash” checks, erasing and rewriting details to siphon funds into their accounts. 

Check Forging:  Armed with routing and account numbers, criminals easily create fake checks using modern printers and software. 

Step 3:

Protect your money.

Use your bank’s digital payment options whenever possible. 

If checks are your only option, follow these tips: 

1. Use permanent gel pens – Protect yourself by using permanent ink when you write a check. 
2. Avoid blank spaces – Ensure your check leaves no room for criminal alterations by filling out each line completely. 
3. Withhold personal information – Don’t add personal info like your Social Security number, driver’s license details or phone number to your checks. 
4. Review accounts – Regularly log on to your online banking platform to quickly identify anything out of the ordinary. 
5. Check your checks – Analyze your paid checks to ensure the amount is correct and the endorsement reflects the intended payee to guard against unauthorized deposits. 

Step 4:

Practice check safety.

Now sit back, relax, and send check safely! 

For more tips, resources and videos on how to #PracticeSafeChecks, visit PracticeSafeChecks.com