How to Validate Bank Account Numbers

Validate a bank account number before depositing a check from an unknown person.

One way to prevent fraud is to validate the existence of a bank account before depositing a business, personal or cashier’s check. If you deposit a check to your account from an account that does not exist, you can be held responsible by your financial institution for depositing a fraudulent check. Before depositing a check to your account from an unknown business or person, validate the bank account numbers to be sure that the account exists.

Things You'll Need

• Routing number (if bank is not known)
• Bank account number

Instructions

1. Contact the bank associated with the account number. If you do not know the bank name and have a check, locate the routing number on the check. It is located in the lower left side of the check.

2. Banks are identified by a unique routing number. Call the financial institution where you do your banking and ask which bank is associated with the routing number with the bank account if you are unsure.

3. Contact the bank that holds the account and ask if the bank account number is valid. The bank can tell you if the account exists, but that is all of the information that will be provided. If the bank account is not valid, contact your local police to report bsank fraud.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the bank with a telephone number from a source other than the check to be sure you are contacting the actual bank.

References

• FDIC: Fraud Alert
• Northern Neck State Bank: Fraud Protection