Tips for preventing check fraud

Check fraud is on the rise. Take steps to help protect yourself.

Common methods used by scammers to commit fraud with a stolen check:

Creating counterfeit or duplicate checks: By using information from a stolen check, fraudsters may use your account information to create additional counterfeit copies of your check.

Altering information on a check: A scammer may use common household chemicals to change the printed dollar amount and/or payee name on a check. This is known as “Check Washing.”

Forging endorsements and engaging in identity theft: Checks typically include a name and address on them, which criminals may use to steal someone’s identity. A fraudster may even attempt to open a bank account to negotiate the check payable to the intended payee by forging the endorsement, and then go on to leverage that stolen identity to apply for credit products using the victim’s personal information.

What you can do to help protect yourself from mail theft and check fraud:

Pay digitally: Reduce the number of checks you send by utilizing card or digital payment methods when possible.

Use your bank to send checks on your behalf: If you do need to pay for something via check, consider using PJSB’s Bill Pay Service. Using this service will mean that the payment information is printed directly onto a check rather than hand-written, making it harder for the scammer to alter the payee or amount on the check.

Use indelible ink to write your check: A black ink, gel pen has ink that is more difficult to remove. This makes it harder for the scammers to wash away your ink in a check washing scheme. Avoid leaving blank spaces on checks to reduce the risk of alteration.

Use mailboxes that are secure: If you need to send any checks by mail, use the mailbox inside a USPS facility rather than at a curbside USPS mailbox or your residential outgoing mail box. Also, pick up your incoming mail promptly and avoid leaving it in your mailbox overnight.

Keep your bank account information safe: Don’t share or post your bank account information anywhere publicly, and never share account information with anyone with whom you did not initiate the communication. Do not allow websites to save your routing/transit and account number information.

Monitor your bank account regularly: It is quick and easy to keep up with all your transactions using PJSB’s Mobile App or Online Banking. Images of paid checks are available for your review. Verify the payee, amount and endorsement information on the check are correct. If you see a check posting to your account that you did not write or for a different amount than you made it out for, notify the bank immediately.

Notify Petit Jean State Bank right away if your checks have been lost or stolen. Stop payments can be placed on your account for checks that have been lost or stolen to prevent unauthorized payments from posting to your account. Contact us at 501-354-4988.

Avoid becoming a victim of check fraud by using caution and following these helpful tips.