Can You Call a Bank to Verify a Check?

Receiving a check, especially for a significant amount, can raise questions about its legitimacy. Verifying a check with the issuing bank is a proactive step to prevent financial losses due to fraud. Despite the rise of digital payments, paper checks remain a common method of exchange, and check fraud continues to be a concern. Confirming a check’s authenticity before depositing or taking action on it provides peace of mind and protection against scams involving counterfeit checks.

Gathering Necessary Information

Before contacting the bank, gather all relevant details from the physical check. This information allows the bank to accurately identify the specific transaction and provide any verifiable details. Key pieces of information include:

• Check number
• Amount
• Date the check was issued
• Full name of the check writer
• Name of the payee
• Name of the bank on which the check is drawn
• Routing number
• Account number

Having this information ready streamlines the verification process. Banks are cautious about disclosing account-specific details due to privacy regulations.

Initiating the Verification Call

When ready to verify a check, contact the bank directly using an independently obtained phone number. Avoid using any phone number printed on the check itself, as this could be part of a fraudulent scheme. The most reliable way to find the correct customer service number is by visiting the bank’s official website or consulting a trusted financial directory. Once connected, explain to the representative that you have received a check to verify its legitimacy. Be prepared to provide all the information gathered from the check.

Interpreting the Bank’s Response

When speaking with the bank, understand what information they can and cannot disclose. Due to privacy regulations, such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, banks cannot reveal personal financial information about their customers, including the account balance of the check writer. They may, however, confirm that the account exists or that the check number matches their records. Some banks may only be able to confirm whether the account is legitimate or if the check has been reported as stolen or fraudulent. This distinction between verifying the check’s validity and confirming fund availability means that even if a check is valid, funds may not be immediately available until the check fully clears.

Actions for Suspect Checks

If the verification call raises any doubts, or if the bank cannot fully verify the check, do not deposit or attempt to cash it. Depositing a fraudulent check, even unknowingly, can lead to financial penalties, including fees and responsibility for the amount of the check. If possible, try to contact the check writer directly to inquire about the check, though exercise caution if you suspect they are part of a scam.

If you believe you have received a fraudulent check, report it to the appropriate authorities. This includes filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the check was received through the mail, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Contacting your local law enforcement agency to file a report is recommended.