#BanksNeverAskThat: Practice Safe Checks

The American Bankers Association puts it succinctly: An unprotected check is a gold mine for criminals.

“We all grew up with checks,” said Jeff Taylor, senior vice president in the Regions Corporate Banking Group. “But the truth is, checks are the leading payment method for fraud, especially when it comes to businesses.”

The American Bankers Association’s #BanksNeverAskThat campaign is back with a monthlong educational effort designed to help consumers and businesses recognize phishing red flags and stop fraud in its tracks. Regions is once again proud to support the ABA’s efforts.

This week’s focus is #PracticeSafeChecks.

“Scammers use checks in different ways,” said Hunt Prothro, Regions’ fraud prevention manager. “They steal them, alter them through check washing and other forms of tampering, and create counterfeits that look like the real thing. Keeping track of your check stock is extremely important.”

7 Tips to Protect Yourself

Use Gel Pens

Permanent gel ink is more difficult for criminals to alter or remove.
 
 

Avoid Blank Spaces

Fill out checks completely and avoid leaving blank spaces that scammers can use to add information.
 
 

Limit Personal Information

Include only necessary information on your checks. Your bank already has the personal details it needs.
 
 
 

Monitor Your Accounts

Wrote a check? Use online banking to confirm when it clears your account and review transactions regularly for suspicious activity.
 
 
 

Verify Your Checks

In the past, many people balanced their checkbooks once a month. Today, it’s best to monitor accounts regularly. Review cleared checks to ensure endorsements, payee information and amounts are accurate.
 
 

Use Digital Payment Options

Online and mobile banking provide digital payment options that can be faster and more secure than paper checks.
 
 
 

Follow Up

If you send a check, contact the recipient to confirm it was received and deposited.
 
 

“We focus on educating our customers and the public about fraud because it affects everyone.”
Jeff Taylor, senior vice president in the Regions Corporate Banking Group

“We focus on educating our customers and the public about fraud because it affects everyone,” Taylor said. “The ABA’s #BanksNeverAskThat campaign offers another opportunity to highlight common threats and share simple steps people can take to protect themselves.”

Throughout October, the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign is offering additional resources to help people protect themselves from scams. Take a few minutes to explore these short, interactive and informative tools:

The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud.