Protect Your Checks

Protect your Mail

A vital part in avoiding check fraud is protecting your mail:

• Collect your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight.
• If you are expecting mail and don’t receive it in a timely manner, contact the sender.
• Always use security envelopes to conceal the contents of your mail.
• Do not send cash through the mail.
• Use the letter slots inside your local Post Office to send mail.
• If you have an overnight or a short trip, ask a family member or trusted neighbor to collect your mail.
• If you have a prolonged trip, contact your post office to hold your mail until you return.

 

Check Security

Remember these useful tips to help avoid check fraud:

• Use pens with indelible black or blue ink so it is more difficult for a criminal to wash your checks.
• Don’t leave blank spaces in the payee or amount lines.
• Never write your personal details, such as your Social Security number, credit card information, driver’s
  license number or phone number on your checks.
• Use mobile or online banking to review your account activity and statements for errors.
• Review images of your paid checks to ensure the endorsement is correct and matches the intended payee, since criminals will sometimes deposit your check unaltered.
• Consider using e-check, ACH automatic payments, other electronic and mobile payments.
• Follow up with payees to ensure they received your check.

 

Mail Fraud

It’s important if you are a victim of mail fraud to act fast:

• Immediately report check fraud to First American Bank and request copies of all fraudulent checks.
• Provide law enforcement with copies of checks and details about all stolen/altered and counterfeit checks.

The United States Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement branch of the United States Postal Service® and can provide more information about mail and check fraud.