How to Verify a Check: 8 Steps to Ensure Safety and Security

Introduction

When someone hands you a check, it can be hard to know whether it is valid or counterfeit. As a business, organization, or individual, verifying a check is essential in order to protect yourself from potential fraud and other risks. In this article, we will discuss what check verification is and then provide eight steps to help you ensure that the check is valid.

Definition of Check Verification

Check verification is the process of ensuring that a check is authentic and valid before accepting it as payment. It involves examining the check for any irregularities or signs of fraud and confirming that the person who wrote it has enough funds available in their account to cover the amount on the check.

Overview of Problem

Unfortunately, there are many ways for criminals to commit check fraud. For example, they may create fake checks with false information, alter existing checks, or use stolen checks. By taking the time to verify a check, you can protect yourself from being a victim of fraud.

Contact the Bank Who Issued the Check

The first step in verifying a check is to contact the bank that issued it. This will help you confirm that the check is legitimate and that the person who wrote it has enough funds available to cover the amount listed on the check.

Identifying the Bank

The easiest way to identify the bank is by looking at the check itself. Most checks include the name of the bank as well as its address and phone number. You can also look up the bank online or call the customer service number listed on the check.

Contacting the Bank

Once you have identified the bank, you should contact them directly to confirm that the check is valid. You can do this by calling the customer service number listed on the check or by visiting the bank in person. When you call, be prepared to provide the issuing bank with the check’s routing number, account number, and amount.

Use Online Verification Services

In addition to contacting the issuing bank, you can also use online verification services to help you determine whether a check is valid. These services allow you to enter the check’s information into a secure website and receive instant results regarding the validity of the check.

Types of Online Services

There are several types of online verification services available. Some are free, while others require a fee. The type of service you choose will depend on your needs and budget. Make sure you do your research and read reviews before choosing a service.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Using an online verification service has several advantages. It’s fast and easy, and you can receive results within minutes. However, these services are not always 100% accurate, so it’s important to double-check the results with the issuing bank.

Verify the Check Number and Routing Number

The check number and routing number are two important pieces of information that can help you verify a check. These numbers provide information about the bank that issued the check and where the money is coming from.

How to Locate Numbers

The check number is usually printed in the upper right-hand corner of the check. The routing number is typically located at the bottom of the check. Both of these numbers are typically nine digits long.

What the Numbers Reveal

The check number and routing number can tell you a lot about the check. The check number identifies the specific check, while the routing number identifies the bank that issued the check. You can use this information to contact the bank and verify the check.

Research the Check Writer’s Banking History

In addition to verifying the check number and routing number, you should also research the check writer’s banking history. This will help you determine whether the person who wrote the check has enough funds available to cover the amount listed on the check.

Resources to Find Information

There are several resources available to help you research the check writer’s banking history. Your bank may have access to databases that contain this information, or you can search public records or credit reports. You can also contact the check writer directly and ask for proof of funds.

Using the Information

Once you have gathered the necessary information about the check writer’s banking history, you can use it to determine whether the check is valid. If the person does not have enough funds available to cover the amount listed on the check, you should not accept it as payment.

Check for Unusual Markings or Signatures

Another way to verify a check is to look for any unusual markings or signatures. If the check includes any strange stamps, symbols, or handwriting, these could be signs of fraud or counterfeiting.

What to Look For

When examining a check for unusual markings or signatures, pay close attention to any changes in handwriting, stamps, or symbols. Also, look for any inconsistencies between the information on the check and the information provided by the check writer.

Reasons for Unusual Markings

Unusual markings or signatures on a check can be a sign of fraud. They could indicate that the check was altered, forged, or created using fraudulent information. If you notice any suspicious markings or signatures on a check, you should not accept it as payment.

Look for Security Features on the Check

Most checks today include security features such as watermarks, microprinting, and holograms. These features help to protect against fraud and counterfeiting, so it’s important to look for them when verifying a check.

Types of Security Features

Security features vary depending on the bank that issued the check. Common features include watermarks, microprinting, and holograms. Watermarks are faint images that appear when the check is held up to the light. Microprinting consists of tiny text printed on the check. Holograms are 3D images that change color when viewed from different angles.

How to Spot Counterfeit Checks

If you suspect that a check is counterfeit, you should look for any discrepancies between the security features and the information on the check. For example, if the check contains a hologram but no watermark, this could be a sign of fraud. If you spot any inconsistencies, you should not accept the check as payment.

Make a Copy of the Check Before Depositing It

Before depositing a check, you should make a copy of it. This will provide you with a record of the check in case it turns out to be fraudulent. It will also give you something to refer back to if you need to dispute the check in the future.

Importance of Documenting the Check

Making a copy of a check before depositing it is an important step in the check verification process. This will help protect you from any potential fraud or losses due to a bad check. It will also provide you with evidence if you need to dispute the check later on.

How to Make a Copy

Making a copy of the check is simple. Most banks offer check imaging services that allow you to take a picture of the check and save it to your computer. You can also use a scanner or photocopier to make a physical copy of the check.

Conclusion

Verifying a check is an important step for businesses, organizations, and individuals. By taking the time to follow the eight steps outlined in this article, you can help ensure that the check is valid and that you are protected from potential fraud. This includes contacting the bank, using online verification services, verifying check numbers, researching the check writer’s banking history, looking for unusual markings or signatures, checking for security features, and making a copy of the check before depositing it.