Check Fraud on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself

February 14, 2025 By: bankofeaston

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) recently warned that check fraud is increasing, with many cases linked to mail theft. Between 2021 and 2023, reports of check fraud nearly doubled. Criminals exploit regulations requiring banks to make check funds available before fraud can be detected, allowing them to withdraw funds before the fraud is identified.

Fraudsters obtain checks by stealing mail and altering them using check washing (chemically erasing details) or check cooking (digitally modifying check images). They then deposit the checks with recruited individuals or sell them to other criminals. The victims include businesses, consumers, and government entities, leading to financial losses, reputational harm, and payment delays.

To protect yourself, retrieve your mail promptly, use USPS Hold Mail when traveling, and send checks through secure methods. When writing checks, use indelible black ink, avoid blank spaces, and consider electronic payment methods. Please keep an eye on your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.

If you suspect fraud, please contact us immediately. The Bank of Easton is committed to keeping our customers informed and protected against financial fraud.

To read the full FBI article, Click Here

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