The check is in the mail...Or is it?

Check fraud grew by 10% from 2023 to 2024, according to a Federal Reserve survey of risk officers at financial institutions. It is a close second to debit card fraud. When you mail a check, the check contains much of your personal banking and contact information. Mail theft has grown exponentially since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To avoid your check being stolen: 

• Secure your mail by taking it inside the post office rather than curbside mailboxes like your home or sidewalk blue boxes. 
• Consider a different method of payment. Go digital, use Bill Pay or pay with a card. 
• Ask to receive payments electronically. 
• Review your accounts regularly, not just to see if that check was paid, but to ensure it went to the right payee. 
• Place a “stop payment” status on checks not received in a timely manner. 
• Report any unauthorized transactions quickly.

When writing a check: 

• Use a dark, permanent ink pen such as a gel pen. The ink is more difficult to erase. 
• Fill the blank spaces. This leaves less room for alterations. 
• Be consistent in style when writing checks. This helps your credit union easily identify a check that is altered. For example, always print in capital letters or always write in cursive. 
• Cross the printed line on the check. This makes it difficult to wash the check without leaving a sign it was changed or altered. 
• Confirm delivery with the intended payee. 

If you have any questions about how to make or receive payments digitally, reach out to your closest branch or contact us online.