Are Checks Safe to Mail? Steps for Mailing Securely

While digital payment methods have become increasingly prevalent, checks remain a common form of financial transaction for many individuals and businesses. However, mailing checks introduces specific security considerations that warrant careful attention to protect against potential fraud and financial loss. Understanding these risks and implementing preventative measures can help ensure that mailed checks reach their intended recipients securely.

Understanding Check-Related Fraud

Criminals employ several methods to exploit checks sent through the mail. One common technique is “check washing,” where fraudsters chemically remove or alter the ink on a legitimate check, typically changing the payee’s name and the amount. This allows them to rewrite the check to their own name for a significantly higher value, which can then be cashed or deposited.

Mail theft is another primary method, involving criminals physically stealing checks from residential mailboxes or public collection boxes. Once stolen, these checks can be altered through check washing or used to create counterfeit checks. Fraudsters can also use the sensitive information found on checks, such as account numbers and addresses, to forge endorsements or even facilitate identity theft.

Counterfeit checks are also a significant concern, where criminals use stolen account information to print entirely new, fraudulent checks. These fake checks often mimic legitimate ones, making them difficult to detect without careful scrutiny. Such schemes can result in unauthorized withdrawals or purchases.

Safeguarding Your Checks Before Mailing

Always use a permanent ink pen, such as a black gel pen, to write out checks, as this type of ink is notably resistant to chemical alteration used in check washing. Filling in all fields completely, including the payee line and the amount in both numbers and words, helps prevent fraudsters from adding extra digits or names. It is also advisable to draw a line through any unused space on the amount line to prevent unauthorized additions.

Recording the check number, date, payee, and amount in a check register or personal accounting system provides a crucial record for tracking the payment. When preparing the envelope, select an opaque security-lined envelope to obscure the check from view, preventing potential thieves from identifying it as a valuable item. Folding the check within a piece of blank paper can add another layer of concealment, making it less obvious that the envelope contains a check.

Clearly writing the recipient’s full address and your complete return address on the envelope ensures proper delivery and helps in case the mail needs to be returned. Consider endorsing the back of the check with “For Deposit Only” and the recipient’s account number, which restricts its negotiability to that specific account.

Secure Mailing Practices

The most secure options involve depositing the envelope directly into a slot inside a post office or a United States Postal Service (USPS) blue collection box. These secured locations are generally safer than leaving mail in an unsecured residential mailbox with a flag raised, which can be an easy target for thieves.

Aim to mail checks close to the scheduled mail pickup times, particularly avoiding leaving them in collection boxes overnight or over weekends. This minimizes the time the check remains unattended and vulnerable to theft. For especially sensitive or high-value payments, consider using tracked mailing services such as Certified Mail or Priority Mail, which provide tracking numbers and delivery confirmation.

Actions If a Mailed Check Is Compromised

Contact your bank or financial institution promptly to issue a stop payment on the check. This prevents the check from being cashed or deposited if it falls into the wrong hands. Stop payment fees typically range from $20 to $35, though some banks may offer waivers depending on account type.

Next, notify the intended recipient of the check about the situation so they are aware of the delay and can expect a replacement payment. Regularly monitor your bank account statements and transactions for any unauthorized activity or suspicious withdrawals. This vigilance helps in quickly identifying fraudulent use of your account.

If mail theft is suspected, file a report with your local police department and contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which investigates mail-related crimes. Additionally, if you believe personal information from the check could lead to identity theft, consider reporting the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to begin a recovery plan.