How to Spot a Counterfeit Check

Carefully examine checks, no matter how authentic-looking.

Personal checks, money orders, official checks and cashier's checks are all subject to counterfeiting as thieves grow increasingly sophisticated and technology continues improving. Such checks can be difficult to spot, but detection becomes much easier when you know what to look for. If you ever have doubts about a check but are unsure, the safest route is to not accept it at all, no matter how desperate you may be for the money.

Things You'll Need

• Suspicion

Instructions

1. Examine the watermark. If it is blurry, either on the front or back, it is probably counterfeit.

2. Look for the small print in the signature line. Authorized signatures should repeatedly appear in small print.

3. Check the bank upon which the check is drawn. If it is located in a foreign country, it may be fake. Besides, even if it were good, it is not cashable within the United States.

4. Compare both check numbers. The one on the top right-hand corner needs to match the one on the bottom.

5. Check to see if the name on the check is from a different city than the bank from which it is drawn. If so, it may be counterfeit.

6. Ask the check writer to accompany you to the bank to make the deposit, if you remain in doubt. If the person seems nervous or unwilling for any reason, you may just want to call off the deal.

Tips & Warnings

• Although the bank will probably put a hold on the check unless it is for a small enough amount, request one to make sure. Also, do not use the funds until the check clears, because if you do not, the funds will be returned insufficient and you will be liable for any overdrafts incurred.

References

• AARP: Fake Checks - How to Spot Them in Your Mailbox