What a Real Check Looks Like & How to Spot a Fake

Checks remain a common method for financial transactions, despite the rise of digital payments. Understanding the visual characteristics of a legitimate check is important for preventing fraud and protecting individuals from counterfeit check scams.

Key Elements of a Check

A standard check contains several key components. At the top left, the check writer’s personal information, including their name and address, is printed. The top right corner has a date line for the check’s issue date.

Below the date line, the “Pay to the Order Of” line designates the recipient of the funds. To the right, a box shows the numeric amount, such as “$100.50”. Directly beneath this, a line spells out the payment amount in words, ensuring clarity and preventing alteration. If the numerical and written amounts do not match, the check may be fraudulent.

Near the bottom right, the signature line requires the check issuer’s signature. A memo line, at the bottom left, offers an optional space for notes or payment purpose. The bank’s name and logo are visible at the top or bottom. The Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line at the bottom contains three sets of numbers: the bank routing number, the account number, and the check number, all printed with magnetic ink for machine readability.

Built-in Security Features

Legitimate checks incorporate security features to deter counterfeiting and alteration. Microprinting involves tiny text, often “ORIGINAL DOCUMENT” or the bank’s name, that appears as a solid line to the naked eye. This text becomes legible only under magnification, making it difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce. Watermarks are embedded within the paper as a design, such as “VOID” or a bank logo, visible when the check is held up to light. These images are challenging to replicate.

Checks often have chemical protection, where the paper reacts and stains if attempts are made to chemically alter the ink or information. Security threads or fibers, either visible or invisible (reactive under UV light), are embedded within the paper stock. A void pantograph or pattern causes the word “VOID” or a cross-hatch pattern to appear when the check is photocopied or scanned, alerting that it is a copy.

Unique patterns or intricate borders are also common and difficult to replicate. Security icons, such as a padlock symbol, are often printed on checks to indicate specific security features and protective measures against fraud.

Verifying Check Authenticity

To assess a check’s legitimacy, a visual inspection is important. Examine the check for clear printing, proper alignment of text, and an absence of smudges, stains, or signs of erasure. Authentic checks are printed on high-quality paper that does not feel thin or slippery. Poor paper quality can indicate a counterfeit.

Next, look for and test the built-in security features. Hold the check up to a light source to check for a watermark. Use a magnifying glass to verify microprinting, ensuring the tiny text is legible rather than a blurred line. You can also lightly rub a moist finger along the ink; if the colors smear, it may indicate it was printed on a standard printer rather than with secure, non-smearing inks.

Compare the numeric and written amounts on the check to ensure they match exactly; any discrepancy is a red flag. Check for consistent font and ink throughout the document. Be wary of missing or out-of-sequence check numbers, or if the check number in the corner does not match the one in the MICR line. If there are any doubts about the check’s authenticity, contact the issuing bank directly using a phone number found through an independent source, not one provided on the check itself. Common red flags include generic appearance, missing security features, misspellings, or a request for you to send back a portion of the funds received.