How to Know If a Check Is Fake Online

Fake check scams pose a significant financial threat, often surfacing through online marketplaces, deceptive job advertisements, or fabricated lottery winnings. Victims who deposit these counterfeit checks face substantial financial risks. They are typically held responsible for any funds withdrawn before the check is identified as fraudulent.

Common Online Check Scam Scenarios

Overpayment scams involve a sender providing a check for an amount exceeding the agreed-upon price for an item or service. The scammer then instructs the recipient to refund the excess, often via wire transfer or gift cards, before the fake check is discovered. Once the check bounces, the victim is responsible for the entire amount, losing both the item and the “refunded” money.

Lottery or sweepstakes scams inform recipients they have won a large sum of money. To claim these winnings, the victim is told they must first pay “taxes” or “fees” using a provided check. This check is counterfeit, and any money sent for fees is lost without legitimate winnings.

Secret shopper or mystery shopper scams also frequently utilize fake checks. Individuals are “hired” for a fabricated job requiring them to deposit a check and use funds to purchase gift cards or money orders. The scammer directs the victim to send these items, leaving the victim liable when the check is identified as fraudulent.

Work-from-home or job offer scams similarly employ fake checks, supposedly for “startup costs” or “supplies.” These checks are designed to appear legitimate but are counterfeit. Any funds spent on these expenses are irrecoverable once the fake check is discovered.

Classified ad scams, often on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, parallel overpayment schemes. A purported buyer sends a fake check for an item listed for sale. They might claim to have overpaid or include extra funds for shipping, then pressure the seller to return the difference before the check clears.

Identifying Physical and Digital Red Flags on the Check

Inspecting the check, physical or digital, can reveal numerous red flags. Genuine checks feature a thicker, rougher paper texture, while counterfeit checks often use flimsy or overly shiny paper. Unusual or missing perforations on the edges are a common sign of a fake.

Printing quality on a fake check can be poor. Look for blurry bank logos, faded or uneven ink, misaligned text, or inconsistent fonts and sizes. Authentic checks have sharp, clear printing and uniform typography.

Legitimate checks incorporate security features often absent or poorly replicated on fakes. These features include watermarks, microprinting (tiny text appearing as a solid line unless magnified), color-shifting ink, or embedded security threads. Counterfeiters rarely reproduce these details effectively.

The routing and account numbers on a check are crucial identifiers. A routing number, a nine-digit code, identifies the bank and should correspond to its location. Fake checks may have missing or incorrect routing numbers, or numbers that do not align with the stated bank. Account numbers can also appear suspicious, being unusually short, long, or following an odd pattern.

Bank information on the check should be scrutinized for accuracy. Misspelled bank names, generic or low-resolution bank logos, or addresses not corresponding to an actual branch are strong indicators of fraud. Verifying the bank’s official details independently is prudent.

Inconsistencies in payee or payer information, such as mismatched names or addresses, can signal a fake. Signatures on fraudulent checks often appear generic, photocopied, or digitally inserted. The check number, usually in the top right corner, should be unique and sequential; any anomalies warrant suspicion.

A suspicious or vague note in the memo line can be a red flag. If the check is a digital image, such as an emailed scan, look for signs of digital manipulation. These might include cut-and-paste elements, strange lighting inconsistencies, or pixelation, indicating the image has been altered.

Verifying a Check’s Authenticity

After initial visual inspection, verifying a check’s authenticity requires direct action. The most reliable method involves contacting the issuing bank directly. Never use contact information, such as phone numbers or websites, printed on the suspicious check itself, as these are likely fraudulent and connect you with the scammer.

Instead, independently look up the official phone number for the bank through its legitimate website or a reputable national directory. When contacting the bank, provide specific details from the check, including the routing number, account number, check number, amount, and the payer’s name. The bank can then confirm whether the account exists and if the check is valid.

Another verification step involves confirming the routing number. Various online tools, often provided by the American Bankers Association (ABA), allow you to input a routing number to verify it belongs to the stated bank. This helps ensure the bank identified on the check is legitimate and matches the provided routing code.

If the context allows, such as with a known business, cross-reference the payer’s name and address with publicly available information. This step can help confirm if the entity issuing the check is a legitimate business. However, exercise caution, as scammers often impersonate real businesses.

It is crucial to understand the distinction between funds being made available by your bank and the check actually clearing. Banks often make deposited funds available within one to two business days, particularly for smaller amounts, based on federal regulations like the Expedited Funds Availability Act. However, this does not mean the check has cleared or is legitimate. It can take days or even weeks for a check to fully clear, and if the check is determined to be fake, your bank will withdraw the funds. You will then be responsible for repaying any money spent, along with potential fees for returned items or overdrafts, which can range from $25 to $45 per incident.

What To Do If You Suspect a Fake Check

If you suspect a check is fake, do not cash or deposit it. Depositing a fraudulent check, even unknowingly, can lead to severe financial repercussions. You will be held responsible for repaying the bank the full amount of the fake funds, plus any associated fees, once the check is discovered as counterfeit.

Do not send any money back to the scammer, especially in overpayment scenarios. Any funds transferred will be lost, as the original check will never clear. Engaging further with the scammer can expose you to additional fraud or identity theft.

Reporting the scam is a crucial step. Immediately inform your own bank about the suspicious check, even if you have not deposited it. Providing details can help them track fraudulent activity.

Also report the scam to federal authorities. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a primary agency for consumer complaints; file a report through reportfraud.ftc.gov. For online scams, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the appropriate body for filing a complaint. If the suspicious check arrived via postal mail, report the incident to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), as mail fraud falls under their jurisdiction.

If the scam originated on an online platform, such as an e-commerce site, social media marketplace, or job board, report the user or listing to that platform’s administration. This action can help prevent the scammer from targeting other users.

Keep meticulous records of all communications with the scammer, including emails, text messages, and other relevant documentation. Retain the fake check itself as evidence. These records can be invaluable for law enforcement and financial institutions investigating the fraud. Finally, be vigilant about protecting your personal information, especially if you inadvertently shared details with the scammer. Consider monitoring your credit reports for unusual activity.