Check Fraud

Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated—and one of the latest scams involves stealing checks from the mail and altering them to steal money from your account.

Here’s how it works:

• Criminals intercept checks after they’ve been mailed.
• They either “wash” the original check to remove the payee’s name or
• Order fake checks using your account and routing numbers.
• They often keep the check number and amount the same (or very similar) to avoid detection—but they always change the payee.

How to protect yourself:

• Monitor your account daily. Make it a habit to view check images as they clear.
• Look closely at the payee name. If it’s not who you wrote the check to, that’s a red flag.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately. If you notice a check has been altered, contact 1st Summit Bank right away so we can take action to protect your account.

Whenever possible, consider using online bill pay instead of mailing checks. It’s faster, safer, and more secure.

Remember, every time you write a check, you expose your personal information:

• Your name
• Your address, phone number, and driver’s license number
• Your entire bank account number AND the bank routing number

Your financial safety is our priority. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local 1st Summit Bank office.