How to Prevent Check Fraud and Safeguard Your Mail
In today's digital age, it might be easy to assume that paper checks are a thing of the past. However, criminals have found new ways to take advantage of this traditional form of payment. Across the country, incidents of check fraud are increasing, and many of these crimes begin with something as simple as stolen mail.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), in collaboration with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), has released valuable tips and tools to help individuals and businesses protect themselves. These scams can result in serious financial loss, identity theft, and personal stress, but the good news is that a few basic precautions can make a big difference.
At CNB Bank & Trust, we are committed to helping our customers understand the risks and take action before fraud occurs. Whether you write checks regularly or only on occasion, staying informed can help protect your accounts and give you confidence in your everyday financial tasks.
Here are some clear, simple steps you can take to protect yourself from check fraud and mail theft.
Step 1: Secure Your Mail
The mailbox is often the first target for fraud. Criminals may steal checks directly from residential mailboxes, especially when envelopes are left out overnight or over the weekend.
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Collect your mail promptly each day. Do not leave it in your mailbox longer than necessary.
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Use security-tinted envelopes that make it harder to see through the paper.
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Avoid placing outgoing mail in your home mailbox. Instead, drop it inside a post office or give it directly to a mail carrier.
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If you are planning a trip, request a mail hold from the U.S. Postal Service so that your mail does not pile up while you are away.
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Sign up for Informed Delivery at USPS.com. This free service gives you a daily email showing which letters and packages are scheduled to arrive.
Step 2: Write Checks Safely
Check washing is a common tactic where criminals use chemicals to erase ink from a legitimate check and rewrite it for a larger amount or to a different payee. You can help prevent this by being intentional with how you write your checks.
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Use a black, gel-based pen to make the ink more difficult to remove or alter.
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Write clearly and fill in all spaces. For example, draw a line after the written amount to prevent additional numbers from being added.
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Never leave the "Pay to the Order of" or "Amount" lines blank.
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Avoid writing personal information such as Social Security numbers or phone numbers on your checks.
Step 3: Monitor Your Accounts Frequently
One of the best defenses against fraud is staying on top of your account activity. With CNB Digital Banking, it has never been easier to keep an eye on your transactions.
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Log in to your accounts regularly to check for any unusual activity.
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Review check images when available to confirm the payee and endorsement are correct.
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Whenever possible, consider using electronic payments such as ACH or online bill pay, which carry fewer risks than mailing a paper check.
Step 4: Stay in Communication
Fraud often goes unnoticed when there is a lack of follow-up. Maintaining open communication with your payees and your bank helps you respond quickly if something goes wrong.
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If you mail a check, follow up with the recipient to confirm they received and deposited it.
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If something seems off or a payment does not clear as expected, reach out to your community bank for assistance.
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Request copies of checks or statements to investigate further if you suspect fraud.
What to Do If You Suspect Check Fraud
If you believe you have been the victim of check fraud, act quickly. Time is critical when it comes to limiting damage and recovering funds.
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Contact your bank (CNB Bank & Trust, N.A.) immediately. Explain the situation and request any available documentation, such as copies of altered or counterfeit checks.
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File a police report with your local law enforcement agency. Be ready to explain how the fraud occurred, what checks were involved, and when it was discovered.
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Provide any supporting documentation, including bank statements or copies of fraudulent checks, to help with the investigation.
Why It Matters
Check fraud may seem like an outdated crime, but it remains a serious and growing threat. According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult for the ICBA, one in five Americans has either experienced check fraud or knows someone who has. This is not a problem limited to large cities or big banks. It affects local communities and everyday people.
Final Thoughts
Criminals are constantly adapting their tactics, but that does not mean you are powerless. By taking small, intentional steps to secure your mail, write checks carefully, monitor your accounts, and communicate regularly, you can reduce your risk of check fraud significantly.
Your financial safety is important to us. If you ever have questions or need help identifying suspicious activity, our team is here to support you. Reach out to your local CNB branch or explore additional fraud prevention tools on our website.
To learn more about how to protect yourself from check fraud, mail theft, and other financial scams, visit the U.S. Postal Inspection Service website: www.uspis.gov. You'll find helpful resources, fraud alerts, and tips to keep your mail and identity safe.