Check Security

Check fraud involves the unauthorized use of check information to make purchases or access funds.

Check fraud can occur when checking account information is revealed and used in forgery, counterfeiting and alteration, or when making erroneous check deposits into an account.

Stay Protected:

• Never endorse a check until you’re ready to cash or deposit it. The information can be altered if the check is lost or stolen.
• Never give your account number to people you don’t know, especially over the phone.
• If someone pays you with a cashier’s check, have them accompany you to the financial institution to cash it.
• Limit the amount of personal information on your check. Do not include your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or phone number on your check.
• Store your checks, deposit slips, statements, and canceled checks in a secure locked location. Never leave your checkbook in your vehicle or in the open.
• Don’t leave blank spaces on the payee and amount lines.
• Don’t make checks payable to cash. If lost or stolen, the check can be cashed by anyone.
• Regularly monitor your account activity, especially if you bank online. Compare the current balance and transactions on your statement to those you’ve recorded.
• Report missing checks to your financial institution immediately.
• When destroying physical checks, either canceled checks or unused, be sure to shred them and discard them securely.