How to Verify If a Certified Check Is Fake?
A certified check is supposed to give sellers a feeling of security. After all, it has the name of a real bank right on the check that promises that someone in that bank ensured the funds were available for payment. But just as there are people who write bad bank checks, there are also people who can create counterfeit certified checks. Verifying that a check is legitimate is a fairly easy process that creates peace of mind and helps eliminate loss of property. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Call the issuing back to check for check authenticity and, if authentic, sufficient funds. The issuing bank's information can usually be found in the lower left hand corner of the check.
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Look up the bank's telephone number using the Yellow Pages, directory assistance, or the Internet. Don't use the number printed on the check because it could be a hoax.
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Request information about whether the certified check was truly issued by the bank. Additional verification can be sought from the check number, the issue date and the amount. Inform your bank if the check is proven to be fraudulent.
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Request that your bank's manager make the authenticity request if you do not want to make the call yourself. Ask the bank manager to sign the deposit slip certifying that the request was made and the check verified.
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Wait until the bank has confirmed that the check has cleared before using the money for any purchases. Plan on waiting at least a week to ensure the check has cleared. Never assume a check has cleared simply because the bank has credited an account.
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Tips & Warnings
Report any fraudulent certified checks to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP) or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect ), and state or local consumer protection agencies (www.naag.com).
Learn about methods used by counterfeiters. The methods change as new scams are invented, but a couple rules of thumb apply well here: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. And you can never be too cautious.
