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Avoid Being a Victim of Check Fraud

/ Categories: Fraud

At Huron Valley State Bank, your security and information safety are our top priorities. We wanted to share with you some resources to protect yourself and avoid being a victim of check fraud. Check fraud is one of the oldest forms of fraud and it continues to be on the rise.

Checks are frequently stolen from mailboxes and other sources with the intent of fraud. Criminals use account information to create fake checks. The thieves then rewrite the details, typically altering the payee and increasing the amounts. Notably, the signature of the account owner often remains unchanged, making the forgery more challenging to detect.

To safeguard your checks from this threat, it is advisable not to leave bills in your mailbox for pickup. Instead, personally deposit them in a mailbox located inside the Post Office. As a better alternative, electronic bill payment is a viable option to avoid the risk altogether.

To Protect Yourself 

  • Shred old checks
  • Secure your checks 
  • Use trusted mailboxes 
  • Monitor your accounts daily
  • For businesses: Get extra layers of security with ACH and Check Positive Pay
  • Be cautious with personal information 
  • Avoid overpaying and refund scams 
  • Verify checks for accuracy and double check the payee 

What to do if you think you’re a victim of check fraud:

Contact us immediately

We want to emphasize that we never solicit your personal information through text messages, emails, phone calls, or the Internet. This information is only requested when you initiate contact with us, aiming to verify your identity and enhance the security of your accounts.

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