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. Firstrust 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 are known to raid mailboxes and take off with checks so they can alter them and steal your money. One way to prevent this from happening is by not leaving your mail in your mailbox overnight or for long periods of time. If you’re heading out of town, you can pause your mail delivery for peace of mind. If you’re sending a check in the mail, don’t drop it in your mailbox. Instead, mail it from a USPS location to ensure it lands safely.  

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. If digital banking options aren’t an option, keep these tips in mind to practice check safety:

1. Use Permanent Gel Pens (like our Firstrust SAFE 1NK pens)

Just like wearing a seatbelt when you fly, use permanent ink when you write a check to protect yourself. Permanent gel ink is resistant to alterations, making it difficult for criminals to tamper with your information. Using a gel ink pen that dries quickly and doesn’t smudge reduces the risk of your check being modified after it’s written.

2. Avoid Blank Spaces

Make sure to fill out every blank space on a check, including the payee name and the amount. Leaving blank spaces can allow criminals to fill in their own information, making it easy for them to redirect your funds. Always write "None" or draw a line through any unused spaces to eliminate potential opportunities for fraud.

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. Only include necessary details, like the payee’s name and the amount. Avoid adding extra personal data, which identity thieves could exploit.

4. Review Accounts

Monitor your account activity online or in our Firstrust mobile app as attentively as you await a safe arrival message from a loved one. By regularly reviewing your account, you can quickly identify any irregularities and take action before they escalate.

5. Check Your Checks

Regularly review your paid checks online and in our app. Ensure the endorsement matches the intended payee and amount. This diligence helps guard against fraud and ensures that no unauthorized transactions are occurring in your name. If you notice discrepancies, report them immediately to Firstrust Bank.

6. Use Digital Payment Options

Consider switching to Firstrust’s online and mobile banking, which includes online bill pay for fast and secure payments.  Digital payments reduce the need for paper checks, minimizing the risk of theft or loss in the mail. They also offer the convenience of tracking payments and setting up recurring transactions with ease.

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. This step not only provides peace of mind but also helps verify that your payment has been processed correctly. If the payee hasn't received it, you can act quickly to prevent potential fraud.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your check-writing security and protect your personal information from potential threats. Always stay vigilant and proactive in managing your financial safety.

For more airline-themed tips, resources and videos on how to #PracticeSafeChecks, visit www.PracticeSafeChecks.com. And be sure to share the webpage with your friends and family.