How to Detect a Fake Check and Protect Your Money

Fake checks are fraudulent instruments, which can appear as business checks, personal checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders, often used in scams like overpayments, mystery shopping, or lottery winnings. Scammers use advanced printing technology to create checks that closely resemble legitimate ones. This realism makes detection challenging, and it can take weeks for a financial institution to identify a check as fraudulent. Scams succeed when victims deposit the fake check and return funds to the scammer before the fraud is discovered.

Visual Indicators of Counterfeit Checks

Inspecting a check for authenticity begins with its physical characteristics. Authentic checks are printed on high-quality, matte paper that feels substantial. If the paper feels slippery or unusually thick, it might indicate a counterfeit. Genuine checks often have at least one rough or perforated edge; if all four edges are smooth, it is a potential red flag.

The quality of printing can reveal inconsistencies. Blurry text, incorrect fonts, misaligned numbers, or inconsistent ink can all point to a fake. If ink smears when lightly rubbed, the check was likely produced with a color printer or copier. The bank’s name, address, and logo should be checked for accuracy. Misspellings, generic appearances, faded logos, or addresses not matching official bank locations indicate fraud.

The routing and account numbers on the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line at the bottom of the check need close attention. These numbers are printed with specialized magnetic ink that appears dull and flat. If the MICR line appears shiny, raised, or has smudged or blurred characters, the check is likely counterfeit. The check number should be present and consistent in both locations. An unusually low or out-of-sequence check number may also signal fraud.

Legitimate checks incorporate various security features. These include watermarks, security threads, and microprinting. If these security features are absent, poorly replicated, or appear distorted, it is a significant sign of a fake check.

Examine the signature for signs of being a stamp or computer-generated rather than an authentic handwritten signature. Discrepancies or unusual details in the payee and payer information, such as typed addresses where printed ones are expected, can also be revealing.

External Verification Methods

Beyond visual inspection, external verification methods offer protection against fake checks. The most reliable method involves directly contacting the bank that supposedly issued the check. Avoid using phone numbers printed on the check, as these may connect you to fraudsters. Instead, independently look up the official bank phone number from a trusted source, like their website or a reputable directory.

When contacting the issuing bank, be prepared to provide check details like the number, date, amount, and MICR line information. Banks can often confirm if the check’s routing and account numbers correspond to a legitimate account and if they issued the check. This direct verification helps confirm the check’s legitimacy before any financial commitment.

Verify the legitimacy of the person or entity who sent the check. This might involve checking for a company website, online reviews, or independently confirming their contact information. Scammers often communicate via email or text, and these messages may contain grammatical errors or unusual requests. Be cautious if the check amount is more than expected, or if you are pressured to quickly deposit it and send money back.

Understand the difference between funds becoming “available” in your account and a check having fully “cleared.” Banks typically make deposited funds available within one to two business days. However, this availability does not mean the check has cleared or is legitimate. A check fully clears only after funds transfer from the payer’s bank to yours, a process taking days or weeks. If you spend available funds from a fake check, your bank will reverse the deposit, making you responsible for the amount spent and potential fees.

Responding to a Suspected Fake Check

If you suspect a fake check, refrain from depositing or cashing it. Attempting to deposit a counterfeit check, even unknowingly, can lead to financial liability if the check is later identified as fraudulent and funds are reversed. Avoid engaging further with the sender of the suspected fake check.

Report the incident immediately. Inform your bank about the suspected fake check; staff can provide guidance. If the check was received through the mail, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

For scams involving online communication or other fraud, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the scam originated online, also report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Document everything related to the suspected fake check. This includes keeping the check itself, any correspondence (emails, texts, letters), and records of all interactions with the sender. This documentation can be helpful for investigations by law enforcement agencies. These reporting steps contribute to broader efforts to track and combat fraudulent activities, protecting others from similar scams.