Check Fraud | First Interstate Bank

Check Fraud

In this era of fast-moving technology and digital payments, it may be surprising that one of the biggest increases in financial fraud comes from an old-fashioned scheme: check fraud. This can include several deceptive practices, such as forgery, check theft, counterfeiting, writing checks on closed accounts, and check washing.

Pay digitally.

Consider switching to online bill pay for fast and secure payments or using card or digital payment methods. If you must pay for something via check, use First Interstate’s bill pay service. Using this service will mean that the payment information will be printed onto a check, making it more difficult for a scammer to remove the information than a hand-written personal check.

Use permanent gel pens.

These types of pens have ink that’s more difficult to remove. Black ink is the best choice.

Use secure mailboxes.

If you need to send checks by mail, use the mailbox inside a USPS facility rather than a curbside USPS mailbox or your residential outgoing mail.

Check your checks.

Please regularly review your paid checks online and in our app. Ensure the endorsement is correct and reflects the intended payee and amount.

Withhold personal information.

Don’t share or post your bank account information anywhere publicly, and never share account information with anyone with whom you did not initiate the communication. Do not allow websites to save your routing/transit and account number information.

Get scam smart.

Learn more at BanksNeverAskThat.com, follow #BanksNeverAskThat on social media for quick tips, or speak with your trusted banking representative about steps you can take to protect your accounts.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, here’s how to report suspicious activity.