Immediate Action What to Do if Your Check is Stolen and Cashed
If you discover a check you wrote has been stolen and cashed by someone else, act swiftly. Contact your bank or credit union immediately to report the fraudulent activity. Provide all relevant details, including the check number, date, and amount. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovering your funds.
Request that your bank or credit union restore the money to your account. They will investigate the transaction. If the check was processed electronically, you may have additional protections under federal law.
Important Considerations Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Generally, if you signed a blank check, your protections are limited. If someone fills in their own name and cashes the check, you may not be able to recover your money. To prevent this, if you lose a signed, but incomplete check, immediately request a stop payment with your bank.
In cases where you lost a check written to you, and a signature was forged, report the fraud to your bank and, if necessary, local law enforcement. The bank will investigate the forgery and may be able to assist in recovering your funds.
“Report check fraud immediately to maximize your chances of recovering your funds.
Financial Expert
Additional Resources
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Contact Your Bank
Direct links and contact information for major banks and credit unions.
Preventative Measures Protecting Yourself from Check Fraud
To mitigate the risk of check fraud, always keep your checks in a secure location. When writing checks, fill in all information completely and legibly. Consider using a pen with permanent ink. Regularly review your bank statements to identify any unauthorized transactions as soon as possible.