Check Fraud – A Low Tech, Increasing Crime
Check fraud is supported by sophisticated criminal operations, with participants infiltrating post office distribution centers, setting up fake businesses, or creating fake IDs to deposit checks. Read the tips below to reduce your risk:
- Deposit mail containing checks in boxes close to collection times or only inside post office locations.
- Use pens with permanent ink that can't be removed through washing techniques.
- Monitor and balance checking accounts regularly to quickly spot anomalies.
- Consider using "Informed Delivery" a free US Postal Service option that sends you a picture of your mail before delivery, so you can determine if anything is missing after it arrives.
- Whenever possible, switch to secure electronic payment methods.
Security Financial Bank supports the safety of our business and individual checking accounts by watching for signs of check fraud, including non-consecutive check numbers and unusually large check amounts or deposits. If you think you've been a victim of check fraud, report it to your bank immediately. In addition, notify the bank whose name is on the check.
You can always call SFB's Customer Service Team at 888.254.0615 or send a message through our mobile app to discuss any suspicious activity in your bank account.
