Have you ever sent a check that was cashed, but the recipient said it never arrived? You may be the victim of check fraud. A recent surge in check fraud schemes targeting the U.S. Postal Service involves stealing checks from the mail, and “washing” the checks. This involves changing the payee names and often the dollar amounts on checks and fraudulently depositing them. Occasionally, these checks are stolen from mailboxes and washed in chemicals to remove the ink. Some scammers will even use copiers or scanners to print fake copies of a check. Postal inspectors recover more than $1 billion in counterfeit checks and money orders every year, but you can take steps to protect yourself.

How to avoid check fraud:

1. Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and review your statements for anything that looks out of place.
2. Confirm receipt of checks sent through the mail with recipient.
3. Try and avoid leaving your mail in your mailbox overnight.
4. Deposit your outgoing mail in blue collection boxes or at the local post office.
5. Have your mail held at the post office or have a friend or neighbor pick it up when you are out of town.
6. Sign up for online bill pay through your FMB Online Banking account.