What to Do When a Check is Lost in the Mail

Confirming a Missing Check

If a check has not arrived, verify its status. Allow 3 to 7 business days for mail delivery. If this timeframe has passed, contact the check sender.

When communicating with the sender, request the mailing date, check number, exact amount, and mailing address used. If the check was for another person, confirm with that recipient whether they have received it. Review your bank statements or online banking activity to ensure the check has not been unexpectedly deposited or processed through your account.

Gather all available details about the check, including the check number, exact amount, date issued, and the names of both the sender and the payee. These details will be necessary for future inquiries or actions.

Steps to Secure Funds and Request Reissue

Once a check is confirmed missing, contact the issuer to secure funds and arrange a replacement. The issuer can verify if the check was cashed, initiate a stop payment, or issue a new check. Provide them with the check number, amount, and mailing date.

The issuer will contact their bank to initiate a stop payment order on the missing check. A stop payment instructs the bank not to honor the check if it is presented for payment, preventing unauthorized cashing. This action generally involves a fee, which can range from approximately $15 to $35, depending on the financial institution. The Uniform Commercial Code allows for stop payment orders to be placed by the drawer (the issuer) of the check.

When placing a stop payment, the bank will require specific details including the check number, the exact amount, the payee’s name, and the date the check was issued. Act quickly to request a stop payment, as banks cannot stop payment once a check has been paid or certified. After the stop payment is successfully placed, the issuer can then proceed to issue a replacement check. Receiving a reissued check can take a few business days to a week.

Addressing Unauthorized Cashing

If a missing check is discovered to have been fraudulently cashed, immediate action is necessary. This discovery might occur through a bank statement, an alert from the sender’s bank, or an unexpected debit from an account. The initial step is to contact your financial institution without delay.

If you are the payee and the check was deposited into an unauthorized account, contact your bank to report the fraudulent deposit. If you are the sender and your account was debited, contact your bank to dispute the fraudulent transaction. Banks generally require a formal dispute process, which often includes submitting an affidavit attesting to the fraud and providing all known details. Financial institutions typically have specific timeframes within which unauthorized transactions must be reported to qualify for potential reimbursement.

Filing a police report for financial fraud is also an important step, as banks frequently require a copy of the report to proceed with their investigation and potential recovery of funds. This report documents the criminal activity and provides an official record that can support your claim. Additionally, inform both the check sender and the intended recipient about the fraudulent activity to ensure all parties are aware and can take their own protective measures. The bank will typically conduct an investigation, which may involve reviewing check images and transaction details. The resolution process, including fund recovery, can take several weeks or months depending on the complexity of the case.