I Got a Check in the Mail—Is It Real?

Receiving an unexpected check can be both surprising and uncertain. In today’s financial landscape, it is increasingly important to discern the authenticity of any check received before taking action. Understanding the common characteristics of legitimate checks and the tactics employed by fraudsters is a crucial step in safeguarding your financial well-being. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to evaluate checks and respond appropriately, helping you avoid potential scams.

Identifying Legitimate Checks

A genuine check possesses several distinct characteristics and security features designed to prevent fraud. The paper quality itself is an initial indicator; legitimate checks are typically printed on thick, sturdy stock paper, often with at least one perforated edge from being torn out of a checkbook. If the check feels thin, flimsy, or has smooth edges on all sides, it could signal a counterfeit.

Key printed information must also be present and accurate. This includes the bank’s name and logo, which should be clear, crisp, and match the official branding of a known financial institution. The check will display a routing number, a nine-digit code identifying the financial institution, usually found at the bottom left. An account number, typically 8 to 12 digits long, identifies the specific account within that bank, often located next to the routing number.

A check number is located in the upper right-hand corner and also typically appears as the last set of numbers on the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line at the bottom. This MICR line, which contains the routing, account, and check numbers, is printed with special magnetic ink that appears dull and flat, not shiny or raised. Any discrepancies between the check number in the corner and on the MICR line, or issues with the magnetic ink, are red flags.

Beyond these basic elements, legitimate checks incorporate various security features. These often include:
Watermarks: Faint images or text visible when held to light, which cannot be reproduced by copiers.
Microprinting: Incredibly tiny text often found on borders or signature lines, which appears as a solid line unless magnified and will blur or appear as dots when counterfeited.
Security threads: Threads embedded within the paper that are visible when held to light.
Color-shifting ink: Ink that changes color when viewed from different angles.
Chemical-wash detection areas: Areas on the check designed to show stains or discoloration if altered with chemicals.

Common Check Scams

Fraudulent checks are frequently used in various scam schemes designed to trick individuals into sending money to criminals. A prevalent tactic is the overpayment scam, where a scammer sends a check for an amount greater than what is owed, then asks the recipient to deposit the check and wire back the difference. The check eventually proves to be fake, but the wired money is lost, as banks typically make deposited funds available before the check fully clears.

Lottery or sweepstakes scams often involve an unsolicited check claiming to be winnings, but require an upfront payment for “taxes” or “fees.” Similarly, secret shopper scams might provide a check to cover initial purchases and a fee, instructing the recipient to wire back unused funds or the cost of certain items. Work-from-home scams may offer employment that involves processing payments or managing funds, providing a check to cover initial supplies or training. The victim is then instructed to send a portion of the funds to a third party. Grandparent scams play on emotions, with fraudsters posing as a grandchild in distress, needing immediate funds, and sending a fake check as “repayment” for a loan or emergency.

These schemes often exploit the victim’s excitement or desire for easy money, leading them to act quickly without verifying the check’s legitimacy. In all these scenarios, the underlying pattern involves an unexpected check and a request to send money back, often via irreversible methods like wire transfers or gift cards.

Verifying a Check’s Authenticity

After inspecting a check for its visible features, the next procedural step is to independently verify its authenticity. It is crucial to contact the issuing bank directly, using a phone number obtained from official sources like the bank’s public website or a trusted directory, not from the check itself. Fraudsters often print fake contact information on counterfeit checks to intercept verification attempts.

When speaking with the bank, provide them with the check’s details, including the check number, the amount, the date, and the name of the account holder who supposedly issued it. The bank can confirm if the check was genuinely issued from an account at their institution and if sufficient funds exist. Remember that banks can verify the legitimacy of the check itself, not necessarily the legitimacy of the transaction or the person who sent it.

If the check purports to be from a company or individual you know, use independently verified contact information for that entity or person to inquire about the check. Do not use any contact details provided on the check or in any accompanying correspondence, as these will likely lead back to the scammer. Always prioritize official, publicly available contact information to ensure you are speaking with legitimate representatives.

Actions to Take

Once you have evaluated a check, your next steps depend on whether it is deemed legitimate or fraudulent. If the check is verified as authentic and from a trusted source, you can proceed with depositing it into your bank account. It is essential to understand that even after funds appear in your account, it can take several business days for the check to fully clear and for the funds to become truly available. Do not spend the money or transfer any portion of it until your bank confirms the check has completely cleared, not just that the funds are available.

If the check is identified as fraudulent, do not attempt to cash or deposit it. Depositing a fake check, even unknowingly, can lead to your bank account being frozen, fees for insufficient funds, or even legal consequences. Never send money back to anyone involved in a suspected check scam, as this is how victims incur financial losses.

Report the fraudulent check and the scam attempt to relevant authorities. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website. If the check was received via mail, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). You should also inform your bank about the fraudulent check, providing them with all the details you have.