Starting from the Beginning: Common Check Fraud Scams and Examples
- There are common fraud tactics to look out for
- Check fraud is on the increase
- Consumers can stop fraud by being aware of certain telltale signs
While many of our blogs take an in-depth look into different topics and trends surrounding check fraud, it's important to remind ourselves of the various types of check fraud and stay abreast of the different scams fraudsters are using.
We recently detailed a glossary of fraud terms created by Eric Huber, Cybercrime Research & Analysis Leader at TD Bank. Now, our friends and fellow #FraudFighters at Alogent took to their blog to provide a concise and useful list of methods fraudsters regularly deploy for check fraud.
Additionally, a post by First Community Bank and Trust provides other valuable information/definitions worth reading, including:
Identity Theft:
By stealing personal information such as bank account numbers and signatures, fraudsters forge checks in someone else's name, exploiting unsuspecting victims.
Mules for Deposits:
At times mules -- unsuspecting individuals who are bribed into help the fraudsters deposit your altered checks -- are used to deposit or cash a fraudulent check who then sends a portion of the funds back or purchases specific merchandise or gift cards.
First Community Bank and Trust also provides for consumers a succinct list of different signs of check fraud to recognize, including how to spot alterations, indicators of forgeries, what to do if your check/checkbook is stolen, and how to take action if you become a victim of check fraud.
Remember, tackling check fraud is a collaborative effort among the financial institution, law enforcement and government agencies, and the consumer. Banks need to ensure that they are deploying the right check fraud detection technologies to protect their customers.