How To Report Check Fraud

You have become a victim of one of the biggest money scams in the world; so how do you report check fraud? Financial institutions lose millions of dollars every year on check scams. Forgery, check hanging, and or check counterfeiting cost individuals as well, either in the costs that trickle down as financial institutions attempt to recover their losses by raising fees, or check fraud committed on you personally.

If you suspect check fraud, how do you report the crime?

1. Watch for signs of check fraud. Certain signs are a pretty good tip-off that the check is bad. Look for missing addresses, either the financial institution’s or the individual’s should be plainly printed. Font changes between the bank’s name and the customer’s name is another indication of possible check fraud. Discolorations, shiny ink, or typewritten names all point to fake checks. 
2. Report suspicious activity. If you think you have been the victim of check fraud, notify local authorities immediately. If your suspect someone has stolen your checks, notify your financial institution to stop payment on outstanding checks.
3. Mail fraud. Check fraud is often committed by thieves who target mailboxes. When banks mail out checks, the bad guys will lift them from your mailbox. If you suspect your checks have been stolen, report the theft to your local police and the bank immediately. Your local postmaster will need to be notified as well.  Business owners who suspect check fraud can report large dollar amounts to the FBI. Irregularities should be made known to your bank, as well as any outsourced payroll firm. 

Report check fraud attempts made via email accounts to the email host.  Never give personal information out over the phone.  Leave your social security number off of the face of your checks.  If you suspect someone has committed paper hanging, or paying on a closed account, report the incident to the police as well as the bank.    Be as proactive as you can to protect yourself from check fraud.