How to Tell if a Check Is Real or Not?

A check is a written, dated, and signed instruction directing a bank to pay a specific sum of money from one account to another. Checks facilitate transactions without physical currency, providing a record of payment. However, the widespread use of checks has led to many fraudulent checks. Counterfeit checks pose significant financial risks, as depositing a fake check can lead to substantial losses. Understanding how to identify a legitimate check is important for protecting personal finances.

Physical Characteristics of Legitimate Checks

Authentic checks have physical and printed security features designed to deter counterfeiting. Inspect the paper quality first; genuine checks are typically printed on thicker, durable paper with a matte finish, not thin, slippery, or shiny material. Some legitimate checks may also include embedded security fibers. If ink smears when lightly rubbed with a moist finger, it suggests the check was produced using a standard printer or copier, indicating it may be fraudulent.

Print quality should be crisp with no smudges. Illegitimate checks often display blurry logos, mismatched fonts, or poor resolution. Legitimate checks usually have at least one rough or perforated edge; checks with all smooth edges might be counterfeit.

Genuine checks integrate security features like watermarks, visible when held to light. Chemical wash detection areas are sections designed to react and show discoloration if chemicals are used to alter the ink. A security pantograph might also create a pattern, such as “VOID,” that becomes visible when the check is copied.

Microprinting is a common security element, appearing as tiny words too small to read without magnification. Found on signature lines or borders, these appear as solid lines to the unaided eye but reveal phrases like “AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE” or the bank’s name under close inspection. If microprinting appears blurry or unreadable even with magnification, the check may be fake.

Standard check elements provide clues. The bank name and logo should be clearly printed and accurate. The routing number, a nine-digit code identifying the financial institution, and the account number are printed in magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) font at the bottom of the check. The MICR line should be smooth to the touch, not raised or shiny, and the numbers should be consistent.

The check number, typically located in the upper-right corner and on the MICR line, should match in both locations. Discrepancies in any of these details, including misspelled bank names or an absence of an authorized signature, can signal a fraudulent check.

Verifying Check Authenticity

After visual inspection, verify a check’s authenticity externally. The most reliable method is contacting the issuing bank directly to confirm its legitimacy. Find the bank’s official contact information from a reliable source, such as its official website, rather than using any phone number printed on the check itself, as this could lead to a scammer.

When contacting the bank, provide specific check details. This typically includes the check number, exact amount, and the issuer or payer’s name. Some banks may also require the routing and account numbers to verify the check. Be aware that some banks may only confirm if the account exists or if sufficient funds are available, while others might require an in-person visit for verification due to privacy policies.

Understand the implications of different check types. Cashier’s and certified checks are generally more secure because the funds are bank-guaranteed. However, even these can be counterfeited, so verification remains important. Personal checks carry a higher risk since they are drawn directly from an individual’s account and are not bank-guaranteed.

The most important step in verifying any check is to wait for funds to fully clear before using them or sending money. Federal law requires banks to make deposited funds available quickly, often within one to two business days. However, this availability does not mean the check is legitimate; it can take weeks for a fraudulent check to be discovered and reversed. If the check proves fake, the depositor is typically responsible for repaying the bank for any funds spent.

Recognizing Common Check Fraud Scenarios

Beyond physical characteristics, certain scenarios often signal a fraudulent check. Common schemes include:

Overpayment scams: A sender provides a check for an amount greater than agreed upon, then asks for the excess funds to be returned via wire transfer or gift cards before the original check clears. By the time the bank identifies the check as fraudulent, the victim has already sent their own money, which is typically unrecoverable.
Lottery or sweepstakes scams: Victims receive notification of winning a large prize and are sent a check, with instructions to deposit it and then wire back a portion for “taxes” or “fees.” Legitimate lotteries do not require winners to pay fees. If you did not enter a lottery, you cannot win it.
Secret shopper scams: Individuals are “hired” to evaluate retail services and sent a check to cover purchases and a fee. They are instructed to deposit the check, make specific purchases (often gift cards), and then send the remaining funds or gift card information back. The check is counterfeit, and the victim is responsible for any money transferred.
Work-from-home or employment scams: Scammers pose as employers, sending a check for an “advance payment” or to cover “expenses” or “equipment” before work begins. They then instruct the recipient to send back a portion of the money or use it to purchase items from a specific vendor. If a job offer seems too good to be true, asks you to pay for supplies, or sends a check before you start work, it is likely a scam.

These scenarios often share common red flags, such as pressure to act quickly, unusual instructions for depositing the check, or requests to send money back using immediate forms of payment like wire transfers or gift cards. Any unsolicited check, especially from someone unknown or for an amount higher than expected, warrants extreme caution.

Steps to Take with a Suspect Check

If you suspect a fraudulent check, take immediate action to protect yourself. Avoid cashing or depositing the check. Depositing a fake check, even unknowingly, can lead to your bank holding you responsible for the full amount once fraud is discovered, potentially resulting in fees, an overdrawn account, or even account closure.

Contact your bank immediately to explain your concerns about the check. Provide them with all relevant details, including the check number, amount, and how you received it. Your bank can offer guidance and assist in verifying the check’s authenticity.

Report the incident to appropriate authorities. If the check was received through the mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), as this constitutes mail fraud. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their online reporting system. For online crimes involving counterfeit checks, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) can be contacted.

Avoid confronting the sender of the suspect check. Maintain records of all communications and the check itself, as these may be needed for investigations by your bank or law enforcement. Discard the check safely, such as by shredding it, to prevent it from being used again.