Is it safe to mail a check to the bank?

With fraud on the rise, your paper check may not be safe The Postal Service doesn't bar you from sending checks in the mail, but as mail fraud cases rise, you may want to think twice before doing so. Last year, banks identified 680,000 reports of check fraud, up from 350,000 in 2021.

Is ordering checks in the mail safe?

If you're wondering whether or not it's safe to order checks online, the answer is yes .

What are the disadvantages of mailing a check?

One of the main drawbacks of using checks is the processing time . Unlike instant digital payments, checks can take several days to clear. This delay can be inconvenient, especially if you require immediate access to funds.

Is there a safe way to mail a check?

Tips on How to Mail a Paper Check Safely Restrict the Paper Check. ... Use a Security Envelope for Checks. ... Drop the Mail at a Secure Location. ... Send the Check Via Certified Mail. ... Avoid Sending Cash or Money Order. ... Don't Include Extra Details. ... Track Your Checks. ... Consider Alternative Payment Methods. Dec 20, 2023

How often do checks get stolen in the mail?

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPS) reported 300,000 complaints of mail theft in 2021, which doubled compared to the year before. According to FinCEN, banks reported a total of around 680,000 check frauds last year . This number increased from 350,000 reports the prior year.

Can checks get lost in the mail?

It's possible for checks to get lost in the mail or stolen , so there are steps you should take.

Is online banking safer than mailing a check?

The bottom line And having your banking data encrypted is more secure than mailing a check with your account info printed right there on the front . So, go ahead. Put your feet up and let your new knowledge of online banking make your life a little easier.

Is it safe to put a check in the mailbox?

If you are choosing to mail a check, it is always recommended that you use a secure mail drop such as inside a post office versus an unsecured public-facing mailbox ," said Driscoll. And yes, that includes dropping checks into those blue mailboxes.

Is it safer to mail a check or pay online?

Think Safety First Opting for online payments is the safest method to prevent your checks from being stolen via the mail .

What is the advantage of mailing a check?

The benefits of cheque mailing Cheque mailing has a number of benefits. First of all, it strengthens security with physical signatures, increasing the credibility of transactions . Additionally, it creates a physical paper trail that is useful for enterprises' record-keeping and auditing needs.

Is it a good idea to mail a check?

Send a Check Using Regular Mail Standard mail services in the US are typically quite safe - in fact, people send checks via snail mail every day. In today's world, this might not seem like the most effective form of delivery, but before everything went digital, this was common practice.

The Risks of Mailing Checks | Fidelity Bank (2024)

Home / Blog / The Risks of Mailing Checks: Why It’s Time to Consider Safer Alternatives

January 4, 2024

We live in a digital age. And while banking electronically has become the norm for many people, the practice of mailing checks is still common for many.

Checks may seem like an easy solution for making payments, but they often come with risks, especially fraud. In this latest blog, we delve into smarter alternatives for you to consider.

The Vulnerability of Checks

Checks, when mailed, are susceptible to various forms of fraud. The information printed on every check – your name, address, bank account number, and routing number – can be a goldmine for fraudsters.

A report by the American Bankers Association highlights that check fraud accounted for 47% of bank deposit account fraud losses in 2020, a clear indication of how common check fraud has become.

Safer Alternatives to Mailing Checks

In the last few years, technology has given way to a broader range of options when it comes to making payments to businesses and individuals. Here are just a few safer alternatives to mailing a check:

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): EFTs allow you to transfer money directly from one bank account to another. It’s a secure method as it requires authentication and typically uses encrypted data. Fidelity Bank offers TransferNow, an easy, secure, and digital way to transfer funds between your Fidelity Bank accounts and accounts at other financial institutions, directly from Online Banking and the Fidelity Mobile Banking App.

Web Bill Pay: Fidelity Bank offers online bill pay services, where you can securely pay your bills directly from your bank account without issuing a physical check.

Debit Cards: Debit cards are great for nearly every type of transaction and offer fraud protection. And with digital wallets, you can easily add your Fidelity Bank Visa® Debit Card to your digital wallet and pay using encrypted keys that are passed during the transaction. The retailer never sees your card number or name, so you never have to worry about your information ending up in the wrong hands.

Mobile Payment Apps: Apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle provide a secure platform to send and receive money, using encryption to protect your financial information.

It’s time to embrace these more secure, efficient, and convenient digital options. Stay informed, stay secure, and say goodbye to the risks associated with mailing checks in this digital era.

About Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank has built a strong history as a trusted financial advisor and continues its mission of exceeding client expectations through a unique banking experience. It operates full-service offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties, along with a limited production commercial office in Luzerne County and a Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital banking experience online at www.bankatfidelity.com, through the Fidelity Mobile Banking App, and in the Client Care Center at 1-800-388-4380. Part of the Company’s vision is to serve as the best bank for the community, which was accomplished by having provided over 4,100 hours of volunteer time and over $1.7 million in donations to non-profit organizations directly within the markets served throughout 2022. Fidelity Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the full extent permitted by law.

The Risks of Mailing Checks | Fidelity Bank (2024)

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