4 Tips for Check Safety

SouthState Bank paper checks
Digital payments are easier than ever, but some situations still call for paper checks. Criminals continue to use forgery and check washing to steal information, so it’s important to follow safe check etiquette when making a payment. 

Steps to safer check writing include filling out your check completely, avoiding blank spaces, writing with permanent ink and avoiding the use of unnecessary personal information. It’s also important to review your account for cleared checks to ensure the amount and payee are correct. 

Want to help prevent check fraud? Share this information with someone you know. 

If you’d like to learn more about switching to digital payments like BillPay or Zelle, we’re here to help with convenient and secure online and mobile banking
 
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CHECK SAFETY GUIDE

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT: FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO STAY SAFE WHEN USING CHECKS

The Cost of Check Fraud
Buckle up: while the use of checkshas declined by 25%, reports ofcheck fraud have nearly doubled since 2021.* With criminals becoming more sophisticated, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect your financial information.

STEP 1 RECOGNIZE THAT CHECKS CONTAIN SENSITIVE INFORMATION
An Unprotected Check is a Gold Mine for Criminals.
  • A Your name and contact information can be taken
  • B Account and routing B numbers can be stolen
  • C Blank spaces could leave room for alterations
  • D Information in the memo line can be too personal 
  • E Your signature can be stolen to forge other documents


STEP 2 UNDERSTAND THE MECHANICS OF CHECK THEFT, WASHING AND FORGING
Check Theft 
Criminals frequently raid mailboxes and intercept mail, snatching checks to access and manipulate your personal details.

Check Washing 
Scammers will use chemicals to “wash" checks, erasing and rewriting details to siphon funds into their accounts.

Check Forging
Armed with routing and account numbers, criminals easily create fake checks using modern printers and software.

STEP 3 PROTECT YOUR MONEY
Use your bank's digital payment options whenever possible.
If checks are your only option, follow these tips:
  1. Use Permanent Gel Pens: Protect yourself by using permanent ink when you write a check.
  2. Avoid Blank Spaces: Ensure your check leaves no room for criminal alterations by filling out each line completely.
  3. Withhold Personal Information: Ensure your check leaves no room for criminal alterations by filling out each line completely.
  4. Review Accounts: Regularly log on to your online banking platform to quickly identify anything out of the ordinary.
  5. Check Your Checks: Analyze your paid checks to ensure the amount is correct and the endorsement reflects the intended payee to guard against unauthorized deposits.

STEP 4 PROTECT YOUR MONEY
Now sit back, relax and send checks safely!

*2024 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choices, Federal Reserve
FinancialCrimes Enforcement Network, Suspicious Activity Report Statistics

Copyright © 2024 American Bankers Association

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