The Top 10 Tips to Spot a Fake Check

The Top 10 Tips to
Spot a Fake Check
CrossCheck, Inc. www.cross-check.com (888) 937-2249

#1 Smooth Edges
Four smooth edges is not good. You want at least one side to have a perforated
edge, a quick indicator that your check was cut from a register and not printed
in somebody’s basement.

This check will have perforation because it is from a check register.

#2 Paper Quality
It should feel like heavy check stock designed to stand up to check processing
equipment, not like copier paper.
Hold it up to the light to see if the paper is too thin or too thick.
Look for security features in the paper such as a small background pattern that
may reveal VOID when photocopied.

Feel the check.
Look at the check.
Be the check.

#3 Bank Logo and Address
Make sure there is a bank logo and that the logo isn't faded or fuzzy suggesting
that it was downloaded from a web site or photocopied. Does the bank address
appear accurate? A PO box or incomplete address may be a sign that something
is not right. Check for typos in the printed information too.

This check has no details identifying the bank.

#4 Walk the MICR Line
The line of digits at the bottom of every check that represent the bank routing
number, account number and check number make up the “magnetic ink
character recognition” or MICR line. It can be read by processing equipment.
The routing number should have nine digits, no more and no less. Magnetic ink
looks and feels dull - not shiny.

This check has no MICR line.

#5 Match the MICR
Look for a check number at the upper right corner and confirm that the check
number matches the check number in the MICR line. Check numbers need to be
in both areas.

The check # and the MICR line’s check # don’t match on this check.

#6 Match the Money
Under the Pay To The Order line is the Legal Line. This line must have the
amount of the check written in words as well as written in numbers. Both
amounts must be the same.

Make sure there are amounts in both spaces – as there are on this check -- and
that the amounts match. On this check, they’re off by $50,000.

#7 John Hancock
Make sure the check is signed and the signature looks legitimate. Stains, gaps or
a digitized appearance may mean that the signature was scanned or forged.
Checking the signature against the check writer's ID should be mandatory.

This check is not signed.

#8 Security Marks
Enhanced check security includes the placement of a small padlock icon and
message on the front of the check and a security note on the back. The words
ORIGINAL DOCUMENT will be present along with microprint lines. Look for
other security features in the paper such as a small background pattern that
may reveal the word VOID when photocopied.

This check does not have the padlock security feature.

#9 No Nigerian Princes
If a check is unexpected or is from someone you are not familiar with, proceed
with caution. Also be careful accepting second or third party checks that could
be stolen. Never wire cash in exchange for a check from someone you do not
know. Make sure the check is not marked VOID or non-negotiable.

The Nigerian Prince check scam is one of the oldest in the book. Don’t cash it!

#10 Under or Over $5k?
Often, faked checks are written for under $5000 to avoid being flagged or held
by the bank and subject to verification. This alone is not an indicator of a fake
check, but in conjunction with other red flags, this tip could be the tipping
point.

This check is less than $5k and is missing the security padlock.

I took a fake check.
What do I do now?
1. Read this blog article and spring into action immediately:
Check Fraud Victim’s 6 Step Guide to Recovery
2. If you are a business, put a check guarantee service in place that
guarantees you will be paid when a check is returned. Learn more about
check guarantee here:

CrossCheck, Inc., an established leader in the payments industry, processes
and approves billions of dollars worth of check transactions annually for retail
and dealer outlets throughout the U.S. For 30 plus years, our goal has been to
increase merchants’ profits by providing efficient and affordable check
approval, guarantee, and conversion services that can help increase sales and
reduce risk. CrossCheck is headquartered in Petaluma, California and has
offices in Phoenix, Arizona and Dallas, Texas. CrossCheck’s suite of services
includes check conversion technology, ACH, web-based transactions, and
remote deposit capture products.
Visit www.cross-check.com for more information.
CrossCheck, Inc.
1440 North McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
888-937-2249
sales@cross-check.com

The Top 10 Tips to Spot a Fake Check

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