Solvay Bank Blog

Check fraud is on the rise—both across the country and right here in our own community.

Results from the 2025 AFP® Payments Fraud and Control Survey indicate that checks continue to be the payment method most often subjected to fraud, with 63% of respondents reporting that their organizations faced check fraud in 2024.

At Solvay Bank, we’ve seen an increase in fraud cases involving checks left in residential mailboxes and checks missing key information like the payee name. Fraudsters are taking advantage of these small oversights to commit big crimes.

Whether you're writing checks to pay bills or running a business with frequent disbursements, knowing how to protect your checks is key to protecting your money.

For Consumers: 5 Simple Ways to Stay Safer with Checks

While digital payments have made things more convenient, checks are still a part of everyday life—and fraudsters know it. Here’s how you can stay protected:

1. Never Leave Blank Spaces on a Check. Always complete all fields, especially the payee line and the amount in words. Blank spaces give criminals room to make unauthorized changes.

2. Go Digital When You Can. Solvay Bank offers secure online bill pay and person-to-person payment tools. These digital methods are fast, safe, and reduce your risk of mail-based check fraud.

3. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly. Review your account activity and check images often through Solvay Bank’s online or mobile banking. The sooner you spot something unusual, the better.

4. Use Black Gel Pens. These pens use ink that’s harder to alter or remove, helping prevent “check washing” scams.

5. Skip the Mailbox. Avoid placing checks in your home’s outgoing mailbox. Instead, bring them directly to a post office or drop them off inside a USPS facility for added security.

For Businesses: Fraud Prevention Starts with Process

While many businesses focus on cyber threats like email scams or ransomware, paper checks continue to be one of the most vulnerable payment methods. In fact, nearly two-thirds of U.S. companies reported experiencing check fraud last year.

Here’s how to help protect your business:

1. Use Positive Pay. Positive Pay is a fraud prevention tool that matches checks presented for payment against a list of issued checks. It can flag altered or counterfeit items before funds leave your account. We also recommend using Positive Pay with Payee Name Verification for even stronger protection.

2. Limit Check Usage. When possible, switch to ACH Origination Services or other electronic payment methods. Solvay Bank offers Same-Day ACH, allowing payments to be sent and received within the same business day. For situations where checks must be issued, consider using a secure courier service instead of mailing them to ensure faster and more secure delivery.

3. Train Your Team. Educate employees on red flags and the importance of securely storing check stock, limiting access to check-writing tools, and separating duties in your finance department.

4. Watch for Internal Threats. Unfortunately, not all fraud comes from outside. Implement internal controls, such as regular reconciliations, vacation requirements for accounting staff, and a clean desk policy to help detect and prevent internal fraud.

5. Act Quickly. If something seems off—whether it’s a check that clears with the wrong amount or a missing payment—don’t wait. Contact your bank right away so they can take action to protect your accounts.

Questions or Concerns?

Our team is here to help you assess your current check usage and recommend fraud prevention tools tailored to your needs. Whether you’re managing personal finances or running a business, Solvay Bank has the expertise and services to help keep your money safe.

Contact your Solvay Back representative today or visit your local branch to learn more about our check security tools and fraud protection solutions.