It should come as easily as airline safety, so buckle up for this one. Despite the fact that check use has declined by 25%, reports of check fraud have soared. In fact, they’ve nearly doubled since 2021. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to steal your financial information to gain access to, and fly off with your money. Waypoint Bank is committed to helping our customers use checks safely.

Don’t give criminals the runway: Understanding the tactics they use can be your first line of defense.

Criminals often target mailboxes to steal checks, which they can alter and cash in on your hard-earned money. To help protect yourself, avoid leaving mail in your mailbox overnight or for extended periods. If you’re going out of town, consider pausing your mail delivery for added security. When sending a check, don’t drop it in your mailbox—visit a USPS location instead to ensure it’s delivered safely. Stay vigilant and protect your finances!

If criminals get ahold of your check, they could use what’s known as check washing. Chemicals are used to “wash” checks, erasing and rewriting details to siphon funds into their own accounts. Lastly, if a criminal gets ahold of your account and routing number, they can stow that information away, and easily steal your money by creating counterfeit checks using modern printers and software.

Remember, every time you write a check, you expose your personal information, such as your name, contact information and bank account number. You can protect yourself by signing up for Online Banking through Waypoint Bank. If you come across a situation where you have to use a physical check, keep these tips in mind:

Use Permanent Gel Pens

Just like wearing a seatbelt when you fly, use permanent ink when you write a check to protect yourself.

Avoid Blank Spaces

Make sure you fill out every blank space on a check so criminals can’t fill them in instead.

Keep Out 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.

Review Accounts

Monitor your account activity online or in the Waypoint Bank mobile app at least once a week. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything out of the ordinary.

Check Your Checks

Regularly review your paid checks online and in our app. Ensure the endorsement is correct and reflects the intended payee and amount to guard against fraud.

Stop by your local Waypoint Bank branch today if you need help enrolling in Online Banking, or want to learn more about how to safely send a check. We are here to guide your success!