Simple Steps to Help Protect Yourself from Check Fraud

September 10, 2026

While many people use digital payment options today, paper checks still play an important role in everyday banking. Unfortunately, criminals know that too.

According to the American Bankers Association's Practice Safe Checks campaign, reports of check fraud have doubled since 2021. Criminals are increasingly targeting mailboxes, stealing checks, altering payee information, and creating counterfeit checks using account details found on paper checks.

At Ridgewood Savings Bank, protecting our customers and their finances is a top priority. That's why we're sharing some practical ways you can reduce your risk and use available banking tools to help monitor and manage your accounts safely.

Understanding Today's Check Fraud Risks

Check fraud often begins when criminals gain access to a legitimate check. Once obtained, they may:

• Steal checks from mailboxes or intercept mailed payments.
• "Wash" checks using chemicals to remove and rewrite information.
• Create counterfeit checks using routing and account numbers found on original checks.

Because checks contain sensitive information, it's important to take extra precautions whenever you write or mail one.

Safe Check Practices

To help protect yourself:

• Only send checks to trusted recipients.
• Use permanent gel ink when writing checks.
• Avoid leaving blank spaces by completing each line in full.
• Avoid including unnecessary personal information in the memo line.
• Whenever possible, mail checks directly from a post office rather than using unattended mailboxes.
• Review your checks to ensure the amount is accurate and that the endorsement matches the intended payee, helping to prevent unauthorized deposits.
• Review your account(s) regularly by logging in to Online Banking to quickly identify any unusual or unauthorized activity.

How Ridgewood Savings Bank Can Help

In addition to practicing safe check habits, our digital banking services can help you stay informed and in control of your accounts.

Online Banking and Mobile Banking

With Ridgewood Savings Bank Online and Mobile Banking, you can monitor your account activity anytime, from virtually anywhere. Regularly reviewing your transactions can help you quickly identify suspicious activity, allowing you to contact us promptly if something doesn't look right.

Account Notifications and Alerts

Setting up account notifications allows you to receive updates about account activity, helping you stay aware of transactions as they occur. Alerts can provide an added layer of awareness and help you detect potential fraud sooner.

Enhanced Automated Banking

Customers can also use Ridgewood Savings Bank's Enhanced Automated Banking service to verify whether checks have cleared their account. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this convenient telephone banking service provides account information whenever you need it. Simply call (718) 240-4800 to review account activity and confirm cleared checks, helping you stay informed and quickly identify any unauthorized transactions.

Bill Pay

Whenever possible, consider using Bill Pay instead of mailing paper checks. Electronic payments help reduce the risks associated with mail theft and offer a convenient way to manage recurring and one-time payments from a secure digital platform. Plus, you can save time and postage with every payment.

Stay Vigilant

Fraudsters continue to look for new ways to access personal financial information, but a combination of smart habits and digital banking tools can help reduce your risk.

By practicing safe check habits, monitoring your accounts regularly, and taking advantage of Ridgewood Savings Bank's Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Bill Pay, and Account Notifications, you can help keep your finances on the right track.

Important Security Reminder

Ridgewood Savings Bank will never call, text, or email asking for sensitive personal information.

To help protect your account, we may contact you to verify account activity. However, we will never ask for your full Social Security number, passwords, passcodes, or full account numbers by phone, text, or email.

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email claiming to be from Ridgewood Savings Bank, contact us directly before responding.

This blog is for informational purposes only. Products, terms, and conditions are subject to change. Member FDIC.