Posted On: May 29, 2025 by Prevail Bank in: Fraud
Despite the fact that check use has declined by 25%, reports of check fraud have soared. In fact, they’ve nearly doubled since 2021. If you’re using checks, please remember you’re exposing your personal information (name, contact information) and bank account info with each one you write. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated every day, finding new ways to steal your financial information and ultimately your money.
- Criminals are known to raid mailboxes, taking checks so they can alter them and steal your money. One way to prevent this from happening is by not leaving your mail in your mailbox overnight or for long periods of time. If you’re heading out of town, pause your mail delivery. If you’re sending a check in the mail, don’t drop it in your mailbox. Instead, mail it (drop it off) at an actual post office.
- If criminals get ahold of your check, they could use what’s known as check washing. Chemicals are used to “wash” checks, erasing what you wrote and rewriting details to siphon funds into their own accounts.
- Lastly, if a criminal gets ahold of your account and routing number, they can easily steal your money by creating counterfeit checks using modern printers and software.
Digital banking is Prevail Bank’s solution to the above. The security that’s implemented to protect you and your finances is priceless. It truly is an easier (and safer) way to bank today. But, if digital banking truly isn’t an option for you, then practice these seven tips for safe checks:
- Use Permanent Gel Pens
Use permanent ink when you write a check; permanent ink can’t be washed. - Avoid Blank Spaces
Make sure you fill out every blank space or draw a line through any empty spaces on a check so criminals can't fill them in with something else. - Withold Personal Information
When ordering your checks, do not print – do not include your social security number, driver’s license number, or your phone number. - Review Accounts
Monitor your account activity online or in Prevail Bank’s mobile app. Regular reviews help ensure you’ll notice something out of the ordinary. - Check Your Checks
To guard against fraud, regularly review your paid checks online and in our app. You’ll want to ensure the endorsement is correct and that the intended payee and dollar amount are correct. - Use Digital Payment Options
Consider switching to Prevail Bank’s online bill pay for fast and secure payments. - Follow Up
Confirm with your payees that they’ve received and deposited your check.
If you’d like to learn more about Prevail Bank’s digital banking options, feel free to contact a Prevail Bank personal banker and he or she will walk you through how easy it is to pay a bill, transfer funds between accounts, and to check your account balances. They’ll get you set up in minutes too, if you want them to.
