Do You Practice Safe Checks?
Reports of check fraud have soared – in fact, they’ve nearly doubled since 2021, despite the fact that people are using fewer checks. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to steal your hard-earned money, which is why FNBC is committed to helping you learn to use checks safely.
Here are some tips to protect yourself, just like you do when you’re on a plane:
- Use Permanent Gel Pens
Just like wearing a seatbelt when you fly, use permanent ink when you write a check to protect yourself.
- Avoid Blank Spaces
Fill those overhead bins before takeoff, and make sure you fill out every blank space on a check so criminals can’t fill them in instead.
- 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.
- Review Accounts
Monitor your account activity online or in our mobile app as attentively as you await a safe arrival message from a loved one. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything out of the ordinary.
- Check Your Checks
Using a digital boarding pass is easy, and so is reviewing your paid checks online and in our app, regularly. Ensure the endorsement, intended payee and amount listed are correct.
- Use Digital Payment Options
Consider switching to FNBC’s online Bill Pay for fast and secure payments.
- 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.
