Lately, we’ve seen more reports of check fraud in our community, and you may have noticed unusual activity on your account or heard about local incidents in the news. Unfortunately, this mirrors a nationwide uptick: consumers reported billions more in fraud losses last year, and checks — especially those stolen or intercepted in the mail and then altered or counterfeited — are a frequent target for organized fraud rings.
That sounds alarming, but there are straightforward steps you and your family can take to reduce risk. Below, we explain what fraudsters are doing, how to recognize suspicious activity, and the practical actions to protect your money and your identity.
How fraudsters are working now
- Mail theft and stolen checks: Criminals steal outgoing or incoming mail (including checks) and then alter or counterfeit those checks to withdraw funds. The FBI and postal inspectors have warned that mail-theft-enabled check fraud has increased.
- Check washing and counterfeiting: Thieves “wash” a check (remove ink from the payee/amount fields) and rewrite it, or produce realistic counterfeit checks to deposit.
- Organized fraud rings and business targeting: Groups sometimes run coordinated schemes (including kiting, synthetic identity setups, and account takeovers) that exploit checks and business accounts for larger payouts. Surveys of treasury and payments professionals show checks remain one of the most-targeted payment types.
Warning signs to watch for
- Unauthorized or unfamiliar withdrawals or deposits on your statement.
- Returned checks you didn’t write or checks showing alteration (different handwriting, erased areas, or altered amounts).
- Notifications from people who received a check you didn’t send, or calls asking you to “verify” check details.
If you see any of these, act quickly — early reporting gives us the best chance to limit loss.
Simple steps you can take right now
- Use secure mail practices. Drop outgoing checks at a post office or inside a secure USPS facility instead of curbside mailboxes; consider using certified mail for essential items. If you receive checks (paychecks, tax forms, or government disbursements), retrieve your mail promptly.
- Write checks carefully. Avoid leaving large blank spaces, write the amount in numbers and words clearly, and use permanent ink. Keep checks stored in a locked place at home.
- Go digital when possible. Use electronic payments, bill pay, or debit/credit instead of checks — fewer checks written means less risk.
- Sign up for account alerts. Receive texts/emails for large withdrawals, new payees, or low balances so you catch suspicious activity fast.
- Shred old checks and statements. Destroy canceled checks and any documents with routing/account numbers before disposal.
- Monitor accounts daily. Please check online and mobile statements regularly and report anything unfamiliar to us right away. Prompt reporting is critical.
If you suspect check fraud, what to do
- Contact the bank immediately. Early notice helps stop further unauthorized activity.
- Freeze or close compromised accounts if advised by the bank.
- File a report with your local police — this helps investigations and is often required for specific dispute processes.
- Report the incident to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint and, if mail theft is involved, to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service or file at IC3 for internet-related fraud. These reports help law enforcement spot patterns.
How we’re helping
We’re taking extra steps to protect customers: enhanced monitoring for unusual check activity, fraud-education communications, and working with law enforcement on local incidents. If you want us to review recent account activity with you, call us — our team is here to help.
Check fraud can be stressful, but quick action and simple precautions can dramatically reduce risk.
Stay safe — and thanks for banking with Better Banks.
