Check fraud is on the rise. Criminals are stealing members’ written checks, altering the payee or amount, or creating counterfeit copies.

If you need to write a check, please take the following precautions to help protect yourself:

• Use indelible black ink
• Avoid leaving blank spaces or adding personal information on the check
• Use checks with security features to help prevent check washing
• Whenever possible, use mail tracking to confirm checks are received and get delivery updates
• Follow up with the recipient to confirm receipt
• Monitor your account regularly in Digital Banking
• Enable real-time alerts for checks and other transactions
• Sign up for eStatements to keep all your account and check details private

Always review your checks online, and if you suspect check fraud, take immediate action:

• Contact Stanford FCU immediately
• File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• Report mail theft to USPIS or call 877.876.2455
• Consider filing a police report and opening a new account if needed

Only send money to people you know and trust. Once a payment is sent, it may not be possible to recover the funds. To help protect your finances, we strongly recommend avoiding mailing checks whenever possible. Instead, consider these other options available through Digital Banking:

• Zelle^®: Send money to people you trust using just an email or phone number*
• ACH automatic payments: Set up recurring payments by sharing our routing number and your account or credit card number with trusted merchants
• Wire transfers: Send secure payments for large amounts to domestic or international recipients
• Giving Center: Donate to your favorite charities directly from your account
• Bill pay: Schedule payments directly from your Stanford FCU account at no cost

To learn more about how to move money safely, visit sfcu.org/move-money.