Check Fraud

Check Fraud Is On the Rise

What Is Check Fraud?

Check fraud occurs when criminals manipulate a legitimate check for their own gain or steal the necessary information to create counterfeit checks. Often, these fraudulent checks are negotiated through out-of-state banks, making them harder to trace.

Here are a few common types of check fraud

• Check Alteration: Criminals may change the amount or payee on a legitimate check.
• Counterfeit Checks: Fraudsters use stolen information to create fake checks.
• Forged Endorsements: Checks are stolen, endorsed, and deposited by someone other than the intended recipient.
• Check Kiting: This involves writing checks from one account to another without sufficient funds, exploiting processing delays.

Learn More About Check Fraud

How C&F Bank Protects You

C&F Bank is committed to staying on the cutting edge of fraud detection and protection. We provide comprehensive fraud prevention services and best practices to help secure your accounts. However, you also play an essential role in protecting yourself or your business.

Steps to Protect Your Account

• Enroll in Online or Mobile Banking: Monitor your transactions daily for any unauthorized activity.
• Sign Up for Transaction Alerts: Receive notifications the moment a transaction occurs.
• Opt for Electronic Statements: Reduce the risk of mailbox theft by accessing your statements securely online.
• Use Online Bill Pay: Minimize exposure by avoiding paper checks in the mail.

• Utilize C&F Positive Pay: Notify us of the checks you’ve issued, allowing us to detect and prevent fraudulent activity.
• Implement ACH Control: Manage and approve electronic debits to your account.
• Leverage ACH Origination: Send and receive payments electronically.
• Take Advantage of Payroll Services: Pay employees using direct deposit or reloadable payroll cards, eliminating paper checks.

Learn More About Positive Pay and ACH Control

Additional Check Writing Tips

To further reduce the risk of check fraud, follow these best practices when issuing checks:

• Use a Uni-Ball 207 Pigmented Gel Ink Pen: This fade-resistant, anti-fraud ink bonds to paper and prevents check washing.
• Fill Out All Spaces: Avoid leaving blank spaces that criminals could alter.
• Ensure the Numeric Amount Fills the Box: Write clearly and use decimal points (e.g., $1,000.00).
• Start at the Beginning of the Line: Write the written amount flush to the left to prevent alterations.
• Avoid Adding Personal Information: Never include sensitive information like your Social Security Number or phone number on checks.
• Review Your Accounts Daily: Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and verify paid checks for accuracy.

Report Fraud Immediately

• Call C&F Bank Customer Support: 800.296.6246
• Visit Your Local Branch: Our team is always ready to help.

Contact Us About Fraud Protection
 

Learn More

For additional resources and expert tips on preventing check fraud, visit the American Bankers Association website at practicesafechecks.com.
Your security is our priority. Let’s work together to keep your business safe from check fraud.