This month, we’re continuing to focus on preventing check fraud scams with weekly articles. Whether a check was stolen from the mail, altered, forged, or used in a scam – the sooner you notice suspicious activity, the better your chances are of limiting financial loss and protecting your account.

The challenge? Check fraud is not always obvious right away. A payment may seem delayed. A check might clear for the wrong amount. Or you may notice a transaction you don’t recognize – weeks later. That’s why regular account monitoring matters. Here’s how to spot the warning signs of check fraud and what to do if something doesn’t look right.

Warning Signs of Check Fraud

Fraud often leaves some clues. Knowing what to look for can help you act quickly.

• A Check Hasn’t Been Cashed When You Expected

If you mailed a payment and it has not been processed within the normal timeframe, it is worth checking on. This does not always mean fraud, but it could mean the check was delayed, lost, or intercepted.

What to do: Start by contacting the person or company you wrote the check out to, and confirm whether they’ve received it or not.

• A Check Clears for the Wrong Amount

One of the clearest warning signs of check fraud is a check clearing for more (or less) than you wrote it for. This may happen in cases of check washing or altered checks.

What to do: Compare your check register or payment records to your account statement, and review the check image. Most financial institutions provide check images through online and mobile banking, or you can request them at your local branch or contacting customer service.

• You See a Payment to Someone You Don’t Recognize

If your account shows a check made out to a person or business you did not authorize, that is a sign of fraud. This may happen with forged or altered checks.

What to do: Review the transaction details immediately, and contact your financial institution right away.

• Missing Checks or Mail

If checks from your checkbook are missing or you notice missing mail, it may signal theft. Stolen blank checks can be used fraudulently.

What to do: Secure your remaining checks, report missing checks to your financial institution, and any missing mail to the post office.

• Unfamiliar Withdrawals or Account Activity

Not all fraud appears as a check image. Sometimes check fraud starts with stolen account information and shows up as other account activity.

What to do: Watch for small test transactions, unusual withdrawals, or multiple failed payment attempts.

Simple Ways to Monitor Your Accounts

The best way to catch fraud early is to make account monitoring a regular habit.

• Set Up Account Alerts

Most financial institutions allow you to set up alerts for withdrawals, deposits, low balances, and large transactions. These alerts can help you spot suspicious activity quickly.

• Review Your Account Weekly

A quick weekly review of your account can help you catch issues before they grow. Look for payments you don’t recognize, checks clearing for the wrong amount, or missing expected transactions.

• Look at Your Cleared Check Images

Most financial institutions allow you to view images of checks that have cleared. Look for the correct payee, amount, and your actual signature. This can help spot altered or forged checks.

• Keep a Simple Record of Checks You Send

Whether it’s a checkbook register, a notebook, or a note on your phone – tracking helps. Record the date you sent the payment, the amount, and the recipient’s information. This will make it easier to compare later if you need to.

• Be Careful with Unexpected Checks

If you receive a check you were not expecting, especially tied to a job, prize, or payment request – pause! Ask questions before depositing the check. Unexpected money is often a big warning sign of fraud.

What to Do if You Notice Something Suspicious

If you think something may be wrong, act quickly.

Step 1: Contact Your Financial Institution 

Review what you’ve noticed with your financial institution. They can assist with freezing or flagging the account and any transactions, place a stop payment on checks, or investigate the issue further.

Step 2: Gather Your Records

Collect check numbers, account statements, payment records, and any related emails, texts, or messages. Having information ready can speed up the investigation and account protection process.

Step 3: Monitor Closely

After reporting suspicious activity, keep watching your account. Fraud sometimes happens in more than one transaction and on various dates (sometimes with weeks in between – in the hopes that you don’t catch it).

Step 4: Change Account Security if Needed

Depending on the situation, it may be recommended that you close your account and open a new one, update passwords, or add extra account protections.

Early Action Can Make a Big Difference

Check fraud can be stressful, but early detection gives you more options:

• Review your account regularly.
• Pay attention to missing or unusual transactions.
• Act quickly if something feels off.

Small habits can help protect your money. Check yourself – stop check fraud before it starts.

Article Source: Made in partnership with the American Association of Credit Union Leagues, America’s Credit Unions, and TruStage