Know 5 things to know before writing your next check; Although many people feel that sending checks in the mail has become a relic of the past, millions of individuals and businesses still rely on check printing and processing for their financial needs. In fact, with millions of checks still written each and every day in the United States, it’s safe to say that checks are alive and well in the 21st century.
While checks are preferable to many other payment methods for several reasons, there still exists the potential for check fraud that can risk your personal information and your funds. So, that’s why it’s important to take certain precautions before writing and sending checks – whether you’re an individual or a business. So, here, we’re taking a closer look at some important things to know before you write your very next check. Taking these simple precautions could, in the long run, save you a lot of time, energy, and potentially even money.
Check Fraud in 2026: The Numbers That Show Why This Matters
Check fraud might seem like a concern from a previous era, but the data tells a different story.
According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), suspicious activity reports related to check fraud more than doubled between 2021 and 2022, rising from approximately 350,000 to over 680,000 reports in a single year. The surge was driven in part by an increase in organized mail theft, with the United States Postal Inspection Service reporting thousands of incidents of USPS collection box break-ins and letter carrier robberies.
The Federal Reserve’s most recent payments study confirmed that checks still account for billions of dollars in transactions annually in the United States. Despite the growth of digital payment options, checks remain in active use for rent payments, payroll in certain industries, contractor payments, government disbursements, and personal gifts.
The American Bankers Association’s deposit account fraud survey consistently identifies check fraud as one of the top causes of deposit account losses for financial institutions, with losses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars annually across the banking system.
Two groups face disproportionately higher risk than the average individual. Small businesses are targeted more frequently because they tend to write more checks at higher dollar amounts and may have less rigorous internal controls than larger organizations. Older adults are also targeted at higher rates, according to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network data, because they are statistically more likely to use checks as their primary payment method.
Understanding why check fraud remains prevalent is the first step toward protecting yourself. The following sections cover exactly how it happens and exactly what you can do about it.
What Exactly is Check Fraud?
For as long as we’ve had checks, we’ve had check fraud. But what exactly is this threat? Well, let’s break it down first. Fraud happens when someone intentionally or deliberately deprives another entity of funds through deceptive and malicious practices. Therefore, we can understand check fraud as any action when fraud is committed through the use of a check. Additionally, stealing someone’s checks; or altering the information found on the check can also count as a common type of check fraud.
Despite check features and advanced security measures, fraudsters continue to develop their own advancements to get around these measures.
The most common types of check scams
- Theft: when someone steals a check with the intent to use it, this is considered check fraud. So, this is just one reason why it’s so important to secure your paper checks in a safe place so that your funds and information remain secure.
- Forgery: this type of check fraud happens someone forges their name or an endorsement onto a paper check. With certain tools, checking Forgery is easier than it might first appear.
- Check kiting: this common type of check fraud involves two separate bank accounts. The fraudster will first write a fraudulent check from one of these accounts. So, they will withdraw the funds from the second account before the bank has the time or resources to acknowledge the fraudulent check.
- Chemical alteration: also known as “check washing,” this method of fraud refers to the act when someone uses special chemicals to actually physically wash out information on the check. The fraudster can then change the information and write the check to themselves or alter the total amount of cash on it.
- Paperhanging: another type of check fraud; Paperhanging happens when someone purposefully writes a bad check from their bank account. They do so knowing that the funds are not there. This usually occurs in new accounts that are established for the sole purpose of committing check fraud, and banks try to set alerts for these.
How to Fill Out a Check Correctly: Step by Step
Before focusing on fraud prevention, it is worth covering the foundation: how to fill out a check properly. A correctly completed check is harder to alter and less likely to cause payment problems. Each field on the check exists for a specific reason.
Step 1: Write the date
Write today’s date in the date field in the upper right corner of the check. Use the full format: month, day, and year (for example, June 9, 2026). Do not postdate a check (write a future date) unless you have confirmed with your bank that they will honor the postdating. Many banks process checks on the day they are presented regardless of the written date.
Step 2: Write the payee’s name
On the “Pay to the Order of” line, write the full legal name of the person or business you are paying. Be specific. If you are paying a business, use the exact name on their invoice rather than a nickname or abbreviation. If you are unsure of the exact name, ask. Never write “Cash” as the payee unless you are writing the check to yourself, because any person who finds or steals that check can cash it.
Step 3: Write the numeric dollar amount
In the small box on the right side of the check, write the exact dollar amount in numbers. Be precise and start writing as close to the dollar sign as possible to leave no room for a fraudster to add digits in front of the amount. For cents, use a decimal point: write $125.50, not $125 or $125-50.
Step 4: Write the dollar amount in words
On the long line below the payee line, write the dollar amount in words. For the cents portion, write it as a fraction over 100. For example: “One hundred twenty-five and 50/100.” Draw a line through any remaining blank space after the written amount to prevent anyone from adding words after yours. This line is the legally controlling amount on a check if the numeric and written amounts disagree.
Step 5: Add a memo if helpful
The memo line is optional but useful. Writing “Rent for June 2026” or “Invoice #4827” helps both you and the payee keep accurate records, and it can resolve payment disputes later if a question arises about what the check was for.
Step 6: Sign the check
Your signature goes on the signature line in the lower right corner. Never sign a blank check before filling in the other fields. A signed blank check in someone else’s hands is a completely open-ended authorization for any amount payable to anyone.
5 Things to Know Before Writing Your Next Check
Check fraud remains a real threat, but there are some things you can do to significantly reduce your risk of experiencing check fraud.
Before writing your next check, do the following:
- Never leave blank spaces: leaving part of your blank check leaves it more vulnerable to Forgery. Always completely fill out your check to the payee and double-check to ensure that the information is accurate.
- Use dark ink: using dark ink (never use a pencil) can make it much harder for a potential fraudster to alter or erase the information on your check.
- Never make your check payable to cash: if someone finds or steals this type of check; it means anyone can simply cash it.
- Don’t add extra personal information: never add more personal information than is required on a check.
- Use your local post office: it’s much easier to steal a check from a personal mailbox than it is if you drop it off at your local post office or UPS store.
Six Additional Protections Worth Adding to Your Routine
The five tips above cover the most critical precautions. The following habits take minutes to establish and provide meaningful additional protection over time.
- Use a gel ink pen, not a ballpoint. This is one of the most widely recommended check fraud prevention tips from banking security professionals. Gel ink, particularly from brands like Uni-ball’s 207 series, bonds to paper fibers differently than standard ballpoint ink. This makes it significantly more resistant to chemical washing, where fraudsters use solvents to dissolve the ink and alter the payee name or dollar amount. The difference in cost between a gel pen and a ballpoint is negligible. The difference in protection is real.
- Keep a check register. A check register is a running record of every check you write, including the date, payee, amount, and check number. Keeping one current means you will immediately notice if a check number appears in your bank statement that you do not have a record of writing.
- Review your bank statements within the dispute window. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, you typically have 30 to 60 days from the date a bank statement is sent to dispute an unauthorized check. After that window closes, your ability to recover funds diminishes significantly. Review statements promptly, and sign up for bank alerts that notify you of any check clearance over a threshold amount.
- Void and destroy unused checks. Old checkbooks and unused checks sitting in a drawer are a security risk. Shred them when no longer needed. Write “VOID” clearly across the face of any check you need to cancel and retain a record of that voided check for your own reference.
- Use a certified or cashier’s check for large transactions. For high-value payments where the recipient has a legitimate reason to want guaranteed funds, a cashier’s check (drawn on the bank’s own funds) or a certified check (where the bank guarantees your specific check) eliminates the risk of a bounced personal check and provides a clear verification trail.
- Know how to place a stop payment. If you write a check and then need to cancel it before the recipient cashes it, your bank can place a stop payment order on that specific check number. Most banks charge a small fee for this service. A stop payment is typically valid for six months and can be renewed. It is not a guarantee: if the check clears before the stop payment is processed, the bank may not be able to reverse the payment.
How Do They Make Checks Safe?
Banks and other financial institutions work hard to make check payments safer by writing checks to prevent check fraud. One method is by working on the physical check itself and adding more advanced check security features. These features make it much harder for a fraudster to alter or change any information and, thus, commit check fraud.
Some of the most common (and effective) check security features include:
- Microprinting.
- Watermarks.
- Warning borders.
- Chemically reactive paper.
- Toner adhesion.
- Security back printing.
- Thermochromatic ink.
- Prismatic printing.
- Visible fibers.
And that’s just the beginning. If you’re interested in using checks safely with these security measures or simply want to know if your current checks have any of these advanced features, simply reach out to your financial institution or bank. They’ll tell you about how they work to make your checks more secure and safe to use.
What the top check security features actually do
The security features list above covers the most widely used protections built into modern checks. Understanding what each one actually prevents makes it easier to verify whether your current checks include them.
- Microprinting places tiny text, often the word “VOID” or the bank’s name, in areas of the check that appear as a solid line to the naked eye. Photocopiers and scanners cannot reproduce microprinting accurately, which means any fraudulent reproduction of the check will show a blurred or broken line in those areas rather than the crisp microprinted text visible under magnification.
- Watermarks are embedded designs visible when the check is held up to light. They cannot be reproduced by photocopying and are difficult to replicate without specialized printing equipment. If you hold a check to light and see no watermark in a check that is supposed to have one, that is a sign the check may not be genuine.
- Chemically reactive paper is treated so that it changes color or shows a visible stain if someone attempts to wash it with chemical solvents. This is one of the most effective deterrents against check washing specifically. If you are concerned about whether your current checks use chemically reactive paper, contact your bank or check printer to confirm.
What to Do If You Are the Victim of Check Fraud
Knowing fraud has occurred is upsetting. Knowing exactly what to do next makes a real difference to whether you recover your funds. Here is the sequence that financial advisors and consumer protection agencies consistently recommend.
- Step 1: Contact your bank immediately. Call the number on the back of your bank card or on your bank statement. Report the fraudulent check by check number, amount, and payee. Ask the bank to place a freeze on any further check clearances if multiple checks may be affected. The faster you report, the better your chances of recovery.
- Step 2: File a police report. Obtain a police report number. Your bank will likely request this as part of their fraud investigation. A police report also creates an official record that supports your dispute if the case requires escalation.
- Step 3: Report to the Federal Trade Commission. File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses consumer reports to track fraud patterns and alerts law enforcement to organized fraud operations. Your report may protect other people from the same fraud.
- Step 4: Understand your rights and timeline. Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 4, which governs check transactions in the United States, you generally have 30 days from the date your bank statement is provided to notify the bank of an unauthorized signature, and up to one year to report an unauthorized endorsement. The exact rules vary by state and by the specific circumstances, so ask your bank to clarify the dispute timeline that applies to your situation.
- Step 5: Monitor your account for follow-on fraud. If fraudsters have your checking account number, they may attempt additional fraudulent checks or ACH transactions. Consider asking your bank about whether closing and reopening your account with a new number is warranted, particularly if your checks were physically stolen.
- Step 6: Place a fraud alert with ChexSystems. ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency used by many banks when evaluating new account applications. If fraudsters have used your information to open fraudulent accounts, placing an alert with ChexSystems at chexsystems.com can help prevent further unauthorized account openings.
Check Fraud Protections for Businesses: Stronger Defenses for Higher Stakes
Businesses write more checks at higher dollar values than most individuals, which makes them more attractive targets for check fraud. The standard individual precautions still apply, but businesses benefit from a set of additional controls that are worth knowing.
Positive Pay is a fraud prevention service offered by most major banks to business account holders. When a business issues checks, it submits a file to its bank listing each check number, issue date, and dollar amount. When a check is presented for payment, the bank automatically compares it against the submitted list. If the check number, amount, or payee does not match, the bank flags it and contacts the business before clearing it. Positive Pay catches fraudulent checks, altered checks, and counterfeit checks before they clear. For businesses writing more than a handful of checks per month, this service is one of the most effective fraud controls available. Ask your business bank whether they offer it and what the setup process involves.
Dual signature requirements for checks above a defined dollar threshold reduce the risk of internal fraud. Requiring two authorized signatories on any check above $5,000 or $10,000 adds a verification layer that catches both external fraud and unauthorized internal payments.
ACH and wire transfers as alternatives. For recurring vendor payments, payroll, and other predictable disbursements, ACH (Automated Clearing House) electronic transfers are both faster and easier to monitor than paper checks. ACH transactions create digital records at every stage, have defined reversal rights, and eliminate the physical check as a theft target. Setting up recurring vendors on ACH rather than continuing to issue checks to them each month removes an ongoing exposure.
Employee check handling policies. Establishing written policies about who can authorize checks, who has access to blank check stock, and how check records are maintained and audited is a basic control that prevents both external fraud and internal misappropriation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Checks Safely
Under the Expedited Funds Availability Act (Regulation CC), banks are generally required to make the first $225 of a check deposit available by the next business day, with the remaining funds typically available within two business days for local checks and up to five business days for certain non-local or large-dollar checks. This does not mean the check itself has fully cleared: funds can be reversed if the check is later returned as fraudulent or due to insufficient funds, sometimes days after the initial funds appear available in your account. This is why you should never provide goods or services in exchange for a check until you are confident the check is genuine and the funds have been permanently collected.
Most banks follow the standard practice of treating personal checks as stale-dated after six months from the issue date. A stale-dated check is one the bank is not obligated to honor. In practice, many banks will still attempt to process a check beyond six months, but they are not required to do so. If you receive a check that is more than six months old, contact the issuer and request a replacement rather than attempting to deposit it. Cashier’s checks typically have different expiration rules and may be treated as stale-dated at different intervals depending on state law.
Contact your bank as soon as you realize the check is lost and request a stop payment on that specific check number. Provide the check number, payee name, and exact amount. The bank will place a stop payment, typically valid for six months, during which the check cannot be cleared against your account. If you are unsure of the exact amount or payee, provide your best information and follow up with the bank if the check is later found. It is also prudent to notify the intended recipient and reissue payment through a new check or electronic transfer.
Mailing checks carries measurable risk, particularly given the documented increase in mail theft since 2020. To reduce that risk, use the blue USPS collection boxes rather than leaving mail in your personal curbside mailbox for pickup. Drop outgoing checks at a post office counter when possible. Consider sending checks via USPS Certified Mail for high-value payments, which requires a signature on delivery and creates a tracking record. For recurring high-value payments, switching to electronic transfer eliminates the mail risk entirely.
Contact your bank by phone or through your online banking portal and provide the check number, the payee name, the date, and the exact dollar amount. Most banks charge a stop payment fee, typically between $20 and $35. The stop payment is usually effective immediately for checks that have not yet been presented to the bank, and is typically valid for six months. If the check is not cashed within that period, you may need to renew the stop payment to keep it active. Note that if the check has already been processed and cleared, a stop payment cannot reverse a completed transaction.
Several signals indicate a potentially fraudulent check. The paper feels unusually thin or glossy compared to standard check stock. There is no perforated edge where the check was separated from a checkbook. The bank name and routing number do not match the bank’s actual information when verified against the FDIC’s BankFind database at banks.data.fdic.gov. The routing number format does not follow standard nine-digit ABA routing number conventions. The check was mailed in connection with an unexpected windfall, prize, employment offer, or overpayment. When in doubt, contact the issuing bank directly using the phone number listed on the bank’s official website (not the number printed on the check) to verify the check before depositing it.
Conclusion – 5 Things to Know Before Writing Your Next Check
Next time you go to write a check, take a second and think about the steps you’re actively taking to make this transaction safer and more secure. While we may not realize it, check fraud is still a prominent issue in the world of finance; and accounts for the loss of millions of dollars. Whether you’re a business conducting payroll or simply sending a check to a family member in the mail; your funds may be vulnerable to advanced methods of check fraud.
Banks continue to create and utilize advanced check security measures to help reduce the risk of check fraud. Using thermochromatic ink, micro printing, warning borders, visible fibers, and more, checks have become much more secure and harder to commit fraud. As such, checks are one of the safest ways to send or receive money, whether you are an individual or a business. Safe, secure, and reliable: for these reasons and more, people will continue to use checks for many years to come.
Check security is one layer in a broader approach to personal and business financial protection. The precautions covered in this guide, from using gel ink pens and keeping a check register to enrolling in Positive Pay and knowing how to report fraud to the FTC, are straightforward to implement and compound in value over time.
For businesses managing broader financial controls alongside check security, the guide to key bookkeeping activities for strong financial management covers the recordkeeping practices that support fraud detection across all payment types. And for a broader look at how cybercriminals target households and businesses, the piece on how cybercriminals can target members of your family covers the digital threat landscape that complements the physical check security steps above.
