Finding out you’ve been a victim of check fraud can feel overwhelming. Maybe a check was stolen from the mail. Maybe your account shows a payment you never authorized. Or maybe you deposited a check that turned out to be fake.

No matter how it happened, one thing is true: acting quickly matters. The sooner you respond, the better your chance of limiting financial loss, protecting your account, and preventing further fraud. If you think you’ve been a victim of check fraud, here are the steps to take.

Step 1: Contact Your Financial Institution Immediately

Your first call should be to your financial institution. Tell them:

• What happened.
• Which transaction appears suspicious.
• When you noticed it.

Your financial institution may be able to place a stop payment on a check, freeze your account, open an investigation, and provide information needed to file a report with the authorities. Don’t wait – time matters.

Step 2: Review Your Account for Other Fraud

Fraud may not stop at one transaction. Look through your recent account activity for:

• Other unfamiliar checks.
• Unusual withdrawals.
• Account changes you did not make.

Review at least the last 30–60 days of account activity, if possible. If your account information was stolen, criminals may attempt additional fraudulent transactions – sometimes even weeks later when they think you are no longer paying attention.

Step 3: Document Everything

Keep records of:

• Suspicious transactions.
• Check numbers.
• All related communications including calls, emails or text messages related to the fraudulent activity.
• Police or fraud reports.

Write down dates, names, and case numbers. This documentation can help if you ever need to dispute charges or file reports.

Step 4: File a Fraud Report

Depending on the situation, you may need to report the fraud to local authorities or other agencies. This can be especially important if:

• Mail was stolen.
• Identity theft is involved.
• A scammer targeted you online.

Ask your financial institution what reports they recommend and keep copies of everything.

Step 5: Secure Your Account

If your account information has been compromised, it may be recommended that you open a new account. Take additional steps like:

• Changing online banking passwords.
• Updating PINs.
• Reviewing linked payment accounts and payment methods.

If you use the same password elsewhere, update those too.

Step 6: Replace Compromised Checks

If physical checks were stolen:

• Report the missing check numbers to your financial institution.
• Store remaining checks securely.
• Order new checks if needed.

Do not continue using compromised check numbers.

Step 7: Watch for Identity Theft

A stolen check contains personal information. Watch for:

• Unfamiliar credit activity.
• Unexpected bills.
• Collection notices.
• New account openings.

Continue monitoring your financial accounts regularly – even months down the road.

If You Deposited a Fake Check

If you deposited a fraudulent check as part of a scam, contact your financial institution immediately and explain what happened. Even if the money appeared in your account, it may later be removed if the check turns out to be fake.

Remember: If someone asks you to send money back after depositing a check, that is a major warning sign of a check fraud scam.

How to Protect Yourself Going Forward

After check fraud happens, it’s normal to feel cautious. Moving forward:

• Monitor your account at least weekly.
• Use account alerts.
• Mail any checks securely.
• Keep checks stored safely.
• Be cautious with unexpected payments.
• Ask questions before acting.

Fraud can happen to anyone. What matters most is how quickly you respond by taking the necessary steps to put a stop to it.

Final Takeaway

As we’ve been featuring these weekly articles all month long, you probably know by now that check fraud can be frustrating and stressful – but you are not powerless. Quick action can help protect your money and reduce impact. Knowledge is one of your strongest tools.

Should you ever suspect fraudulent activity within any of your First Financial accounts, please contact us right away.

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