How to Know if a Check Is Legit: What to Look For

Checks remain a common payment method despite digital alternatives. Understanding how to identify a legitimate check is important for personal financial security and to protect against financial loss.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Legitimate Check

A genuine check contains standard elements and security features. The bank’s name and logo are printed prominently, usually at the top, indicating the financial institution. Each check also includes a unique check number, typically in the upper right-hand corner and sometimes repeated in the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line at the bottom.

The MICR line, printed with special magnetic ink at the bottom of the check, contains banking information. This line includes the routing number, a nine-digit code identifying the bank, usually at the bottom left. Next to the routing number is the account number, identifying the specific checking account. The check number is also often found at the end of this MICR line.

Other components include the payee line for the recipient’s name, and the numerical amount box, typically to the right of the payee line, for the dollar amount. Below this, the amount in words is written out and should always match the numerical amount. A memo line provides space for a brief description, and a signature line requires the account holder’s signature to validate the check.

Legitimate checks incorporate various security features. Microprint, which appears as a solid line to the naked eye but is actually tiny, unreadable text, is often found in the signature line, borders, or on the back of the check. Watermarks, visible when the check is held up to light, are often embedded in the paper. Void pantographs are patterns or hidden words, such as “VOID,” that become visible when the check is copied or scanned, revealing that it is not an original. Some checks may also feature security threads or color-shifting ink.

Common Indicators of Non-Legitimate Checks

A suspicious check may exhibit blurry printing, unusual fonts, or misspellings. Logos may appear faded, distorted, or incorrectly placed.

The paper quality of a fraudulent check often feels thin, flimsy, or overly smooth. Smearing ink when lightly rubbed indicates the check was produced using a standard printer. Absence or poor replication of security features like microprint, watermarks, or void pantographs is a red flag. If the MICR line appears shiny, raised, or is missing, it suggests a counterfeit.

Incorrect or suspicious check information indicates a non-legitimate check. This includes non-existent bank names or routing numbers that do not match the listed bank. Account numbers may have incorrect digits or appear inconsistent. If numerical and written amounts do not match, this discrepancy warrants suspicion.

Unusual check numbers, such as those that appear out of sequence for the account holder or have very low numbers (like 101 to 400 for personal checks or 1000 to 1500 for business checks), can also be a warning sign. Low numbers may indicate a newly opened account, which scammers sometimes use. A check from an unexpected source or for an unusually large amount, especially if it requires you to send back a portion of the funds, warrants caution.

Verifying a Check’s Authenticity

If you have concerns about a check’s legitimacy, several steps can help verify its authenticity. Contact the issuing bank directly to inquire about the check. Find the bank’s official contact information from an independent source, such as their website or a public directory, rather than relying on a phone number printed on the check, as this could be part of a scam.

When contacting the bank, provide details such as the check number, amount, issue date, and payee name. The bank can confirm if the account exists and if the check number falls within a valid sequence. However, the bank may not disclose whether sufficient funds are available or if the check is fraudulent, due to customer privacy.

Wait for the funds to fully clear before spending any money from the check. Banks are legally required to make deposited funds available quickly, but this does not mean the check has fully cleared. A check can take several business days to be processed and for funds to transfer from the issuing bank. If a check is fraudulent, you will be responsible for returning the funds to your bank, even if already spent.

Online tools can offer some preliminary verification. For instance, you can use an ABA routing number lookup tool to confirm that the routing number on the check corresponds to the correct financial institution. This only verifies the bank’s identity, not the authenticity of the check or the availability of funds.

Actions to Take with a Suspected Non-Legitimate Check

If you suspect a check is not legitimate, or if verification confirms your concerns, take immediate action. Do not deposit or attempt to cash a suspected non-legitimate check. Depositing a fraudulent check, even unknowingly, can lead to financial liability, as your bank will eventually reverse the deposit, and you could be responsible for any funds spent.

First, inform your bank about the suspicious check. Take the check to your bank, explain your concerns, and provide details about how you received it. Your bank can help confirm if the check is fraudulent and advise on next steps, potentially initiating an investigation.

Report suspected fraud to relevant authorities. If you received the check through the mail, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). You can contact them via their website or by phone. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Local law enforcement agencies can also be contacted to file a police report.

Document everything related to the suspected check. Keep detailed records of the check, any communication with the sender, and records of your attempts to verify or report the fraud. This documentation aids investigations by financial institutions or law enforcement agencies.