What is check fraud and what steps do I take if I am a victim of it?
1. Check Theft: A thief uses existing stolen checks
2. Check washing: A thief takes an existing check and chemically washes it, and alters it.
3. Checking account takeover: A thief adds his/her information to your account, changes the mailing address or makes unauthorized alterations to your account for unlimited access.
4. Check counterfeiting: A thief takes blank check stock and creates additional checks that mirror your account. This information is on the bottom of every check and deposit slip. This can happen regardless if the account is opened or closed.
5. Check synthesizing: Your name and address appears on a check for an account that you never opened, perhaps at a bank you don’t use.
Steps to clearing up Check Fraud
1.
File a police report. This will be in the city/state you live in. Please get a physical copy of this report.
2.
Send via certified mail return receipt to the check verification companies, financial institutions and merchants copies of the following: police report, fraud affidavit, Letter Form 126, and Letter Form 100 - 2.
3.
Check to verify with the check verification companies, financial institutions and merchants to see if your driver’s license number is being used to pass the bad checks. If so, contact your DMV Fraud Department and request that your license number is changed.
Keep a copy of all documents for your records. Always request a letter of clearance.
Helpful Information:
Security Alert on Consumer Reports
ChexSystems and SCAN will let you place a 90-day Security Alert on your consumer report with them.
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Phone: 800-513-7125
Or: 888-4-STOLEN
Website: www.consumerdebit.com
For Instructions on how to place the Security Alert click HERERelated Links:
Fact sheet 126 Check Fraud/ Theft
Letter Form 126 Initial Victim of Identity Theft Statement and Fraudulent Account Informaiton Request Checking Account Fraud
Letter Form 100 - 2 Confirmation of Conversation - Letter of Clearance