How to Find Out If a Check You Received in the Mail Is Legitimate?

You were likely warned as a kid that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That's the case with most "checks" you receive in the mail from some entity claiming you won a prize, complete with a cashier's check to to prove it. But wait -- there's a catch. It's never as simple as just endorsing the check and putting it into your bank account. There's always some reason that you have to give a certain amount of the payment back to person or company issuing the check. That's a red flag.

Advertisement

Check Out the Check

Video of the Day

The check itself may give you clues that it isn't legitimate. Inspect the physical check thoroughly. Pay careful attention to the following:

Video of the Day

  • Bank information -- if there is no bank logo, or a post office box rather than a street address, suspect fraud.
  • Check edging -- real checks generally have at least one rough edge or perforation. An entirely smooth check is suspicious. Odds are someone printed it off their computer.
  • Check numbers -- legitimate checks have nine routing numbers, the initial numbers on the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition line on the bottom. Fewer than that, and the check is a fake. Also look at the check's top right corner. It should have a check number, and that number should match the last digits on the MICR. If any of these are missing or don't correspond, the check isn't good.
  • Paper stock -- the paper used for real checks is heavier than typical paper stock. A check that feels light -- or slippery -- may be fake.

Advertisement

Of course, some checks are so realistic that they fool banking professionals, and it can take weeks after a fake check is deposited for the fraud to come to light.

Expert Advice

The United States Post Office website states flatly that there is no legitimate reason anyone would send a check and, in return, ask for cash to be sent anywhere. If you receive a suspicious check in the mail, or have been the victim of a fake check scam, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service or the Federal Trade Commission.

Advertisement

United Parcel Service offers no-nonsense advice regarding an unexpected check received through its services: "Assume it is fraudulent." USP notes that one scam involves sending phony checks through its Next Day Air service, usually relating to a fake employment offer or online advertisement. "Do not assume that the method of delivery lends any legitimacy to the contents of the package," warns UPS.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...