Step 1
Use Permanent Gel Pens
Just like wearing your seatbelt when you fly, protect yourself by using permanent ink when you write a check.Step 1: Use Permanent Gel Pens
Just like wearing your seatbelt when you fly, protect yourself by using permanent ink when you write a check.
Step 2
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.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.
Step 3
Withhold 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.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.
Step 4
Review Accounts
Monitor your account activity on your online banking platform as attentively as you await a safe arrival message from a loved one. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything out of the ordinary.Monitor your account activity on your online banking platform as attentively as you await a safe arrival message from a loved one. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything out of the ordinary.
Step 5
Check Your Checks
Regularly review your paid checks on your online banking platform as thoroughly as airport staff check your boarding pass. Ensure the endorsement is correct and reflects the intended payee and amount to guard against fraud.
Step 5: Check Your Checks
Regularly review your paid checks on your online banking platform as thoroughly as airport staff check your boarding pass. Ensure the endorsement is correct and reflects the intended payee and amount to guard against fraud.
Step 6
Use Digital Payment Options
If you’re switching to digital boarding passes, why not switch to your bank’s payment app or online bill pay for fast and secure payments?If you’re switching to digital boarding passes, why not switch to your bank’s payment app or online bill pay for fast and secure payments?
Step 7
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.Just as you confirm your flight details, make sure to follow up with payees to confirm they’ve received and deposited your check.
Mastered Check Safety? Now Make Sure They Land Safely!
Turn on notifications
Sign up for informed delivery at USPS.com. It sends you daily email notifications of incoming mail and packages.
Retrieve your mail promptly
Don’t leave checks in your mailbox overnight or for any other long period of time.
Pause Your Delivery
If you’re heading out of town, ask the post office to hold your mail until you return.
Head to USPS
Mail checks from your local post office instead of using a home mailbox or a blue street mailbox.
Suspect fraud? Do this.
- Contact your bank immediately.
Report the fraudulent check to your bank. They can help stop payment, freeze your account if necessary, and guide you on the next steps. - File a police report.
Contact your local police department to file a report. This creates an official record of the fraud, which is useful for investigations and claims. - Review your accounts regularly.
Monitor your bank and credit card statements closely for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately. - Report suspicious activity immediately.
If your check was stolen in the mail, report it to the United States Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report or call 1-877-876-2455. - Use digital payment options when possible.
Generally, electronic payments are considered safer than checks as they often come with additional security measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication. However, it’s essential to use secure networks and trusted platforms when making electronic payments.
