Using Checks Safely

Checks have traditionally been used to make payments for rent, bills, and utilities. But did you know that checks can be intercepted by fraudsters? They look to steal information or use the check in a way that was never intended. Read on for tips on how to safely use checks.

 

8 Ways to Use Checks Safely:

1. Thoroughly complete all fields of the check. This includes the payee’s first and last name or legal entity name, the date (Month, Day, Year), the memo (purpose), the written and numerical dollar amounts, and your signature. 
   
   
2. Never make checks payable to “Cash”.  
   

   Tip Making checks payable to “Cash” permits anyone to legally negotiate the check if it is lost, stolen, or misplaced. To avoid this, always write the name of the party the check is intended for.

3. Do not write personal information on your check(s). This includes your date of birth and social security number. If you are trying to pay the Internal Revenue Service for tax purposes, consider signing up for their Direct Pay service: Direct Pay | Internal Revenue Service.  
   
   
4. Checks should always be written in non-erasable pen, not pencil. Checks written in pencil could easily be erased or altered.
   
   
5. When mailing a check, always consider bringing the envelope with the check directly into the post office or handing it directly to the mail carrier.  
   

   Tip Official blue USPS postal boxes and personal mailboxes with flags raised are known targets for mail theft.

6. Monitor your account activity online for anything you do not recognize, specifically checks that have been withdrawn. Make it a habit to open the image of the check in Digital banking and review the front and the back of the check to ensure that it was endorsed by the intended recipient. Also make sure to compare the amount the check was written for, the payee, and the check number with the carbon copy of the check you wrote in your checkbook.
     
7. Review your monthly account statements and ensure that checks have cleared in a timely manner, if not, follow up with the recipient to verify that the check is still in their possession. For any cleared check item, review the image in Digital Banking to confirm the item was endorsed by the intended recipient.
   
   
8. Never pay upfront by check for a product or service that has yet to be received. Scammers may request payment by check and then make a promise for something they never intend to follow through on. Consider alternative payment methods that provide consumer protections (e.g. credit card) if payment must be made prior to the delivery of a product or service.