Ways to protect yourself against check fraud

Check fraud is on the rise. Here’s what you can do.

These days fraud is everywhere, and fraudster methods are always evolving. A growing number of methods are targeting your checkbook. Did you know that checks are now one of the least secure forms of payment? Criminals are combining old-school methods of theft with readily available technology to steal checks, impersonate account holders, and sell to the black market. Arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your identity and checking account.

How is check fraud committed?

Lifting ink: Lifting ink from a check, or “check washing”, can be done using chemicals as readily available as nail polish remover. Criminals can remove your intended payee’s information and replace it with theirs while also increasing the dollar amount. They then deposit the fraudulent check into their account.

Targeting mailboxes: Once mail is stolen from a residential mailbox or a USPS blue box, criminals sift in search of checks that can be washed and forged. The frequency of mail theft is directly correlated to the spike in check fraud.

Selling check images on the dark web: There is a growing network of darknets and encrypted communication platforms that criminals use to sell check images. Criminals can use the personal information from your check and your banking information to commit identity theft scams.

Consider these check-writing alternatives and services.

If you can, try to avoid placing checks in the mail. First Bank offers a number of alternative options for mailing checks like BillPay, Zelle, External Transfer services, and more.

Bill Pay: This free service lets you avoid the hassle of writing checks or visiting multiple websites to stay on top of your payments. See how convenient it is to manage your payments from one place.

External Transfers: For those who support their kids in college or if you’re constantly writing checks between your First Bank account and one at another bank, First Bank’s External Transfer option makes it quick and easy to securely transfer funds. If you own both accounts, learn how to set up a transfer here.

Zelle®¹ : In your First Bank mobile app, you have access to Zelle®, a fast, safe, and easy method to send money directly from your bank account to someone you trust in just a few taps. Learn more about making payments with Zelle® here.

Positive Pay: This business service compares each check presented for payment against your check issue file. You can view all images of checks before deciding which items to pay or return, monitor daily incoming clearings, and return fraudulent items. If you operate a business and are looking for an automated fraud detection tool, consider enrolling in Positive Pay. 

Fraud protection best practices.

Always protect your banking information. Be cautious if someone is requesting your account numbers, and only share that information with vendors that you trust. Additionally, consider adopting these best practices.

Order checks from a reputable source: A reputable check printing vendor will have an established business presence with readily available customer support, a website with a SSL certificate, positive customer reviews, and industry-standard security features printed into the check. Checks can always be ordered through our preferred vendor, Deluxe.

Write checks with a black gel pen: When you must write a check, filling it out with a black gel ink pen can add an additional level of security. Gel ink is typically made with a colored pigment that will soak into the check paper. Once the ink is saturated into the paper it is more difficult to “lift” or “wash” with popular methods.

Enroll in alerts & text banking: With First Bank Alerts, you set the alert parameters and how you want to be notified — push notifications, email, text message, secure message, or phone call. Learn more and enroll here.

Consider using credit when purchasing online: As long as balances are paid in full, it’s smart to use a credit card when possible to make purchases online so that the funds in your checking account cannot be directly accessed. Most credit cards will offer protection against unauthorized purchases. First Bank credit cards offer zero liability and Mastercard ID Theft Protection ².

1.) Zelle® is only available for personal banking customers.

2.) Requires enrollment. Enroll here.