Check Fraud

Check fraud — the act of altering, forging, or counterfeiting a check with the intent to steal money — is a growing concern, but by following these simple tips, you can help safeguard your finances:

What is Check Fraud?
Check fraud is a type of financial fraud involving the use of fake, altered, or stolen checks to illegally obtain money or property. It can take several forms, including:

• Forgery – Signing someone else’s name on a check without authorization.
• Alteration – Changing the amount, payee name, or other details on a legitimate check.
• Counterfeit Checks – Creating fake checks that look real.
• Check Kiting – Writing checks between multiple accounts without sufficient funds, taking advantage of bank processing times.
• Deposit Fraud (Check Washing) – Using chemicals to remove and rewrite check details.
• Stolen Checks – Using lost or stolen checks to withdraw money fraudulently.

Tips to Prevent Check Fraud and Protect Your Mail

• Send checks securely using the letter slots inside your Post Office or by handing them directly to a letter carrier. Pick up your mail promptly and avoid leaving it in your mailbox overnight.
• Use pens with indelible black ink, such as gel pens, and avoid leaving blank spaces on checks to reduce the risk of alteration.
• Monitor your accounts regularly using online or mobile banking and verify that checks reach their intended recipient.
• Sign up for USPS’ Informed Delivery to receive daily email notifications of incoming mail and packages.
• Ask your bank about fraud protection services they offer.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of check fraud, contact USB immediately and contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if your personal information has been compromised.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can better protect yourself from check fraud. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Customer Service Center at 866.872.1866.