Do You #PracticeSafeChecks?

Despite the fact that check use has declined by 25%, reports of check fraud have soared. In fact, they’ve nearly doubled since 2021. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to steal your financial information to gain access to, and fly off with your money. Fairfield County Bank is committed to helping our clients use checks safely.

Don’t give criminals the runway: Understanding the tactics they use can be your first line of defense.

Criminals are known to raid mailboxes and take off with 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, you can pause your mail delivery for peace of mind. If you’re sending a check in the mail, don’t drop it in your mailbox. Instead, mail it from a USPS location to ensure it lands safely.

If criminals get ahold of your check, they could use what’s known as check washing. Chemicals are used to “wash” checks, erasing and rewriting details to siphon funds into their own accounts. Lastly, if a criminal gets ahold of your account and routing number, they can stow that information away, and easily steal your money by creating counterfeit checks using modern printers and software.

Remember, every time you write a check, you expose your personal information, such as your name, contact information and bank account number. If digital banking options aren’t an option, keep these tips in mind to practice check safety:

• Use Permanent Gel Pens
  Just like wearing a seatbelt when you fly, use permanent ink when you write a check to protect yourself.
• Avoid Blank Spaces
  Fill those overhead compartments before takeoff! Similarly, make sure you fill out every blank space on a check so criminals can't fill them in instead.
• Withold Personal Information
  The person in the middle seat doesn't need to know your whole life story, just like you don't need to add personal info to your checks.
• Review Accounts
  Monitor your account activity using Fairfield County Bank’s online and mobile banking attentively as you await a safe arrival message from a loved one. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything out of the ordinary.
• Check Your Checks
  Regularly review your paid checks online and in our mobile app. Ensure the endorsement is correct and reflects the intended payee and amount to guard against fraud.
• Use Digital Payment Options
  Consider switching to Fairfield County Bank’s payment app or online bill pay for fast and secure payments.
• Follow Up
  Just as you confirm your flight details, make sure to follow up with payees to confirm they've received and deposited your check.