In the age of digital payments, checks might seem old-school, but they’re still widely used and commonly targeted by scammers. Many people receive checks that look completely legitimate – only to find out days later they were part of a scam, knowing how to spot a fake check can save you from serious financial loss.

1. Examine the Check Itself Closely

Fake checks often look convincing at first glance, but there are a few details that give them away:

• No check number in top right corner
• Low quality paper or glossy finish
• Smudged ink, blurry logos
• Missing security features like micro number or watermarks

Tip: Real checks are printed on special check stock. If it feels off, it probably is.

2. Check the Bank Information

Scammers often use real bank names to make their checks look legitimate, but they don’t always get the details right.

Look for:

• Fake or missing bank logos
• Incorrect routing numbers (verify with the Federal Reserve routing tool or the bank’s official website)
• No bank address or one that doesn’t exist

Tip: Call the issuing bank or credit union using their official number (can easily be located on their website) to verify the account.

3. Examine the MICR Line

The long string of numbers at the bottom of the check is called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) line, and it should be printed in magnetic ink with a specific font.

Red flags:

• Misaligned numbers
• Regular ink or wrong font
• Numbers don’t match (check number in top corner differs from the one in the MICR line)

Machines scan this line, so if it looks tampered with or off, it’s a red flag.

4. Scrutinize with Payment Details

Pay close attention to how the check is made out.

Be cautious if:

• It’s made out to “Cash” or has no payee name
• The dollar amount is unusually high or mismatched (the written and numeric amounts differ)
• It’s part of an overpayment scam (someone sends you a $3,000 for a $500 item and asks you to refund the difference)

Never send money back until a check fully clears.

5. Use Common Sense with Unusual Situations

A huge red flag is when someone gives you a check under unusual circumstances
For example:

• You’re asked to cash a check for someone who “lost their ID”
• You’re offered payment before a deal is finalized
• You’re pressured to act quickly or send money immediately

Scammers often create urgency. If something feels rushed or strange, pause and investigate.

6. Wait for the Check to Truly Clear

Just because the money shows up in your account doesn’t mean the check is legit.

• Banks may release funds before check clears
• It can take 7-10 business days for a check to bounce
• If it does, you’re on the hook – not the financial institution

When in doubt, don’t spend the money until the check is 100% verified.

Fake checks can look incredibly real these days, but small signs often give them away. Stay alert, take time to verify details, and don’t rush into depositing or spending funds from a check you weren’t expecting or don’t trust.

Quick checklist:

• Does the check feel like high-quality paper with security features?
• Do the routing and account numbers match a real bank or credit union?
• Can you verify the sender’s name or address?
• Do the check number, amounts, and details all match and make sense?
• Were you overpaid or sent a check unexpectedly?
• Have you waited at least 7-10 business days for check to fully clear?

Spotting a fraudulent check doesn’t require special tools, often just a careful look and a few questions. At Forrit Credit Union, we strongly encourage our members to stay alert and never hesitate to question a suspicious check – no matter how real it looks. If you ever receive a check you’re unsure about, connect with us! We’re here to help you keep your account safe. When it comes to fraud, a second look can make all the difference.