Check fraud cases spiked 94% in 2022 despite drop in check usage
By Karah Rucker (Anchor/Reporter), Ben Burke (Digital Producer)
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
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Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Associated Press NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on abc NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Koco News5Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WISH-TVCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on St Louis Post-DispatchCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible – The Boston Globe
Click to see story on Boston GlobeCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on News & RecordCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WCSHCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KRDOCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KIFICheck fraud escalates as Americans warned to avoid mailing checks
Click to see story on Star AdvertiserCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Winnipeg Free PressCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KCRA 3Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on News 4 JAXCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WKMGCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WPLGCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Click on DetroitCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Chicago TribuneCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Portland Press HeraldCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WCVBCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WLWTCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WMURCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WLKYCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WESHCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WDSUCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WTAECases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KETVCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WYFFCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KCCICases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KSAT 12Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The Billings GazetteCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KMBCCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Lincoln Journal StarCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WBAL-TVCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WISNCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WPTZCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WMTWCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on MissoulianCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WVTMCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WAPTCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Helena Independent RecordCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KOATCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Tulsa WorldAmericans warned not to mail checks because of growing fraud
Click to see story on The OregonianCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Montana StandardCheck fraud has gotten so rampant that postal officials are warning Americans to avoid mailing checks
Click to see story on FortuneWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on 9NEWS DenverCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WCBDWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WFAA 8abcCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on TucsonCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Omaha World-HeraldCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Winston-Salem JournalCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WPBFCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WKYCCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on HDR | Hickory Daily RecordCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Rapid City Journal Media GroupCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on NolaCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WGALCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on GoDanRiver.comWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WLTXCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WXIICases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KWKT – FOX 44Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on McDowellNews.comWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on Krem2 NewsWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WCNCWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WUSA9Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KSBWCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WBIRCases of check fraud escalate dramatically; Americans warned not to mail checks
Click to see story on Wichita Eagle & KansasCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KLFYWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on KSDKCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The Morning JournalCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WEAREIOWACases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on http://www.wdam.comWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on 11ALIVECases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Auburn CitizenCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Daily Local NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The EagleWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on 13 News NowCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Glens Falls Post-StarCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Dothan EagleCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The Grand Island IndependentCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Longview Daily NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Valley News LiveCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KHBSCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on SCNowCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Elko Daily Free PressWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WMAZCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The Independent TribuneCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Denison Bulletin & Review – DBRNews.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on OANow.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Statesville.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on morganton.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible – Georgia Asian Times
Click to see story on gasiantimes.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Financial PostCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on National PostAmericans warned not to mail checks
Click to see story on NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically
Click to see story on Boston HeraldAmericans warned not to mail checks
Click to see story on Courier MailRight
Untracked Bias
Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on My Mother LodeCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on http://www.wmbfnews.comAmericans warned not to mail checks if possible as cases of check fraud spike dramatically
Click to see story on NXSTCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WJCLCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible – The Morning Sun
Click to see story on communityq.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned against mailing checks – Maryland Daily Record
Click to see story on Maryland Daily RecordCases of Check Fraud Escalate Dramatically, With Americans Warned Not to Mail Checks If Possible
Click to see story on LI PressCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on mor-tv.comCases of check fraud nearly doubled between 2021 and 2022, according to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The network received about 680,000 reports of check fraud from banks in 2022, up from 350,000 reports in 2021. Part of the increase is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as government relief checks became an attractive target for criminals.
“Criminals typically steal personal checks, business checks, tax refund checks, and checks related to government assistance programs, such as Social Security payments and unemployment benefits,” FinCEN said in an alert it sent out back in February. “Following the initial theft and fraudulent negotiation of the stolen checks, criminals may continue to exploit their victims by using the personal identifiable information found in the stolen mail for future fraud schemes, such as credit card fraud or credit account fraud.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported roughly 300,000 complaints of mail theft in 2021, as well–more than double the prior year’s total.
Check fraud increased despite a significant drop in check usage. Americans have largely switched to paying for their services with credit and debit cards.
According to the Federal Reserve, Americans wrote roughly 3.4 billion checks in 2022, down from nearly 19 billion checks in 1990. Small businesses still use checks frequently.
In response to the rise in check fraud cases, postal authorities and bank officials have warned Americans to avoid mailing checks if possible, or at least to use a secure mail drop such as inside the post office. Banks have begun watching for signs of fraud at branches and through mobile check deposit services.
Banks have also started training branch employees to look at check numbers and notice when a check is being written for a larger amount than someone’s bank history would indicate. Banks also now deploy software at their branches that can tell how risky a check might be.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Associated Press NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on abc NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Koco News5Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WISH-TVCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on St Louis Post-DispatchCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible – The Boston Globe
Click to see story on Boston GlobeCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on News & RecordCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WCSHCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KRDOCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KIFICheck fraud escalates as Americans warned to avoid mailing checks
Click to see story on Star AdvertiserCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Winnipeg Free PressCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KCRA 3Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on News 4 JAXCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WKMGCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WPLGCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Click on DetroitCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Chicago TribuneCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Portland Press HeraldCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WCVBCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WLWTCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WMURCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WLKYCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WESHCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WDSUCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WTAECases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KETVCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WYFFCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KCCICases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KSAT 12Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The Billings GazetteCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KMBCCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Lincoln Journal StarCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WBAL-TVCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WISNCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WPTZCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WMTWCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on MissoulianCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WVTMCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WAPTCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Helena Independent RecordCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KOATCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Tulsa WorldAmericans warned not to mail checks because of growing fraud
Click to see story on The OregonianCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Montana StandardCheck fraud has gotten so rampant that postal officials are warning Americans to avoid mailing checks
Click to see story on FortuneWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on 9NEWS DenverCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WCBDWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WFAA 8abcCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on TucsonCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Omaha World-HeraldCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Winston-Salem JournalCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WPBFCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WKYCCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on HDR | Hickory Daily RecordCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Rapid City Journal Media GroupCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on NolaCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WGALCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on GoDanRiver.comWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WLTXCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WXIICases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KWKT – FOX 44Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on McDowellNews.comWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on Krem2 NewsWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WCNCWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WUSA9Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KSBWCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WBIRCases of check fraud escalate dramatically; Americans warned not to mail checks
Click to see story on Wichita Eagle & KansasCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KLFYWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on KSDKCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The Morning JournalCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WEAREIOWACases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on http://www.wdam.comWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on 11ALIVECases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Auburn CitizenCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Daily Local NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The EagleWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on 13 News NowCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Glens Falls Post-StarCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Dothan EagleCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The Grand Island IndependentCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Longview Daily NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Valley News LiveCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on KHBSCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on SCNowCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Elko Daily Free PressWhat is check washing? Americans warned about increasing check fraud
Click to see story on WMAZCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on The Independent TribuneCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Denison Bulletin & Review – DBRNews.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on OANow.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Statesville.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on morganton.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible – Georgia Asian Times
Click to see story on gasiantimes.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on Financial PostCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on National PostAmericans warned not to mail checks
Click to see story on NewsCases of check fraud escalate dramatically
Click to see story on Boston HeraldAmericans warned not to mail checks
Click to see story on Courier MailRight
Untracked Bias
Cases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on My Mother LodeCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on http://www.wmbfnews.comAmericans warned not to mail checks if possible as cases of check fraud spike dramatically
Click to see story on NXSTCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on WJCLCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible – The Morning Sun
Click to see story on communityq.comCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned against mailing checks – Maryland Daily Record
Click to see story on Maryland Daily RecordCases of Check Fraud Escalate Dramatically, With Americans Warned Not to Mail Checks If Possible
Click to see story on LI PressCases of check fraud escalate dramatically, with Americans warned not to mail checks if possible
Click to see story on mor-tv.comVOTE WITH THE UNBIASED, STRAIGHT FACTS.™
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