Check Fraud On The Rise
In today’s digital age, protecting your money and identity has become more crucial than ever before. Criminals are always on the lookout for vulnerable individuals who may unwittingly expose their personal information, leading to potential financial loss.
Have you ever noted a check that you did not recognize, or a check cashed for a different amount than the amount issued? You may have been a victim of check fraud.
Check Fraud has spiked in the last years, mainly, as a result of checks being intercepted before arriving to the Postal Office which are subsequently altered, washed or counterfeited and cashed by criminals.
Furthermore, stolen checks contain personal information like names and addresses that are later used to commit identity theft. Criminals also use names, addresses and bank account information to commit ACH fraud, Business Email Compromise (BEC) and other related fraud schemes.
However, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. In this article, we will explore some effective tips to safeguard your money and identity, including using alternate payment methods, securing your sensitive documents, and monitoring your accounts regularly. By implementing these measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft and financial fraud.
Tips to protect your money and your identity
- Drop your mail off directly at the Post Office
- Verify receipt of check payments with the intended recipients
- Consider alternate payment methods like wire transfers, ACH and bill pay
- Do not share personal or account information online, via text messages or over the phone
- Store checkbooks and account documentation in a safe place
- Shred sensitive documents before throwing them away
- Monitor your account periodically and report suspicious activity immediately
- Set up your alerts and notifications in your online banking
If a check has been lost or stolen report it to us immediately.
Business customers may take advantage of our Positive Pay Service (contact your account officer for information).
For more tips on how to avoid fraud and keep your information safe click here.
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