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First Bank & Trust of Fullerton, Genoa Community Bank and Points West Community Bank are proud to join forces with the Independent Community Bankers of America in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on an initiative to help customers protect themselves from the growing threat of check fraud. In support of this initiative, all three banks are offering educational materials and personal guidance to ensure customers have the tools they need to safeguard their financial assets and respond if they experience check fraud.
“We are committed to helping our customers stay informed and secure,” Scott Gonsior, branch president at Points West Community Bank in Fullerton, Brad Wieck, president at Genoa Community Bank, and Kurt Pickrel, president of First Bank & Trust of Fullerton, said in a joint statement. “By providing these resources and hosting discussions on fraud prevention, we empower our customers to take steps to safeguard their accounts and protect their financial future.”
Check fraud schemes often involve the interception and alteration of legitimate checks, resulting in millions of dollars in losses each year for consumers and businesses. One in five Americans have or know someone who has been affected by check fraud, according to a recent ICBA poll conducted by Morning Consult.
First Bank & Trust of Fullerton, Genoa Community Bank and Points West Community Bank and ICBA offer the following tips to protect against fraud.
Tips to Prevent Check Fraud and Protect Mail
• Send checks securely using the letter slots inside your post office or by handing them directly to a letter carrier. Pick up your mail promptly and avoid leaving it in your mailbox overnight.
• Sign up for Informed Delivery at USPS.com to receive daily email notifications of incoming mail and packages.
Additional Tips to Protect Checks
• Use pens with indelible black ink and avoid leaving blank spaces on checks to reduce the risk of alteration.
• Monitor your accounts regularly using online or mobile banking and verify that checks reach their intended recipient(s).
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Check Fraud
• Report fraudulent activity to your bank immediately and request copies of altered or counterfeit checks for your records.
• Provide law enforcement with copies of fraudulent checks and details about how, when, and where the fraud occurred to assist their investigation.
“Community banks play a vital role in educating and protecting customers from financial fraud,” ICBA Vice President for Operational Rick and Payments Policy Scott Anchin said. “Through partnerships like this, we are equipping consumers with actionable information to prevent check fraud and reinforcing the trusted relationship they have with their local community banks.”
Customers are encouraged to visit their local bank branch to learn more about check fraud prevention and receive tailored advice on securing their finances. Additional resources are also available at https://fbtfullerton.com, https://pwcbank.com, and https://genoacb.com.