Make a Payment Rates About Careers Contact Locations

How To Protect Your Checks And Identity From Mail Fraud

June 1, 2023 While online scams seem to be the thing these days, many fraudsters still like the old-fashioned way – through the mail. Read on to find out how to keep your checks (and your identity) out of the wrong hands.
How does check fraud even happen?
Fraudsters raid your home mailbox for checks – the ones you’re getting, as well as any you may be sending out to pay bills, for example. They even use stolen keys to break into those blue USPS mailboxes you see on street corners around the neighborhood. Then they simply wipe names and payment amounts off the checks, a dirty trick known as check washing. Scammers keep the checks for themselves or sell them on the “dark web,” a hidden part of the internet (only accessible through dedicated software) that’s a hub for crime.
Easy ways to prevent check-related mail fraud
  • Deposit mail directly at the post office or in USPS blue mailboxes right before the final pickup of the day.
  • Never leave mail in your mailbox overnight and put a hold on your mail if you’re headed out of town.
  • Skip the mailbox altogether with – an easy, secure way to pay bills and send or request money among family and friends.
  • Remember, you can use our easy, encrypted to deposit checks right from your smartphone.
Help us spread the word – because together, we can fight fraud! And if you think you’ve been a victim of mail fraud or your personal information has been compromised, get in touch with your financial institution right away. Summit members, we’re here to help at 800-236-5560.

Want More Fraud-Fighting Tips?

Keep exploring more ways to  Sources:

 You might also be interested in For many, Social Security is a main source of income later in life, and no one wants to lose out on those funds or a perceived opportunity for more be If there’s anything we know for sure about scammers, it’s that they’re going to take advantage of new technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is crea With over 500 million daily active users, Instagram has become a popular app for sharing photos, connecting with friends and even following the lives “My daughter was excited to watch her high school team play for the state title. To livestream the game, she clicked what she thought was an official Fraudsters are getting trickier by the day, and it can be tough to tell if that email, text or online ad is fake or legit. Especially when they pose a For many, Social Security is a main source of income later in life, and no one wants to lose out on those funds or a perceived opportunity for more be Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat at an airport restaurant or at a happy hour after work, chances are you’ll see a QR (quick response) code on the Whether you need some cash to pay off holiday debt, get snow tires or cover a surprise medical bill, be aware that loan scammer are all too eager to o Scammers love fresh opportunity and they’ve found it in cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin and many others. Along with running investment scams, crypto frau Featured Products Certificates Checking Accounts Home Equity Loans Home Loans Business Banking Certificates Checking Accounts Home Equity Loans Home Loans Business Banking Financial Education Upcoming Events Programs Tools & Calculators On-demand Webinars Podcasts Upcoming Events Programs Tools & Calculators On-demand Webinars Podcasts About Equity in Money™ About Summit Careers News Community Giving Equity in Money™ About Summit Careers News Community Giving Help & Support Contact Us Member Support Center Schedule an Appointment Find a Branch Contact Us Member Support Center Schedule an Appointment Find a Branch Please read the following before proceeding to: The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. NCUA Insurance Estimator Privacy, Security & Accessibility Rates, Fees, Terms & Disclosures Routing Number *  The Wisconsin's #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans in 2022, gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The results of the data were obtained through the LEI: 254900NTAC4H10MGSU23 **  SBA Lender of the Year Award for Credit Unions as awarded by the Small Business Administration of Wisconsin in 2023. Copyright 2024 © Summit Credit Union. All rights reserved. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 608-243-5000 for assistance. Insured by NCUA