Writing checks can be risky business.

Are you still writing checks to pay bills? This simple task has become more risky in recent years as criminals are becoming more and more savvy at stealing your information.

The use of checks has been on the decline over the last several years as more people switch to secure digital services to pay their bills and receive payments. However, many people still use checks to pay expenses.

If you do use a paper check to make a payment, exercise caution and be conscious of how the check is handled.  Criminals target mailboxes to steal checks. If they get their hands on one of your checks, they can commit check fraud by using special chemicals to remove the ink and fill in new information such as dates, dollar amounts, and payees.

How can you protect yourself from check fraud?

• Write fewer checks—a check not written is one that won’t potentially end up in the hands of a criminal who can alter the check, cash it, or sell it to another criminal.
• Only use checks for people you know very well—mailing a check to a friend or family member is much safer than mailing a check to a stranger.
• Keep checks safe and out of public view—in addition to your account number, your check also contains your home address and possibly your phone number.
• Use blue or black gel ink pens—this type of ink is harder for a criminal to chemically remove from a check.
• Slow down when writing out a check—take time to complete all sections of the check including the memo section. And, never make a check “payable to cash.”
• Deliver a check to the payee in person—if you can’t deliver the check in person, then hand deliver the check to your local post office and give it to a USPS employee.

Use Digital Payment Options

• Enroll in online bill pay to make payments electronically.
• Make payments to another person using Person-to-Person (P2P) payment services. The credit union’s P2P payment service is embedded in its bill payer service.
• Sign up for direct deposit to have payments electronically deposited to your account.

Monitor Your Account

• Use Online Banking—Checking your account online can be done conveniently using your computer or mobile device. It’s recommended that you check your account daily. Be alert for any discrepancies and report them as soon as possible to your financial institution.
• Use Account Alerts—Alerts can notify you when a withdrawal is made or your balance falls below a certain amount.

Take action today to protect yourself from check fraud.

Content Reference: Adedoyin, Oyin, “Check Fraud is Increasing. Here’s How to Protect Your Money. As swindlers target paper checks, take steps to secure your payments.” Personal Finance, The Wall Street Journal, May 24, 2023, 9:00 p.m. EDT, digital article.