The Growing Threat of Check Fraud and Mail Theft

Paper check fraud is on the rise, with a notable increase in the number of check fraud claims filed by customers in recent years. Criminals are using various scams to access checking account information, even without physical checks. The U.S. Treasury's investigative arm reported a doubling of check fraud cases over the past three years. Compared to digital payment methods, paper checks lack the same level of security enhancements. Scammers acquire checks through theft, phishing scams, or by obtaining customer credentials to create counterfeit checks. To protect yourself, use digital payments, use non-erasable ink when writing checks, mail checks at the post office, review your accounts regularly, and sign up for balance alerts and transaction notifications from your bank.