How do I know if I deposited a fake check?

Verify the check with the bank. If you receive a check, contact the bank that issued the check to verify its legitimacy. Don’t call the number listed on the check — counterfeit checks often have fake numbers. Instead, look up the bank’s customer service number on its website.

Can a bank detect a fake check?

A fake check isn’t always spotted by a bank. You may be able to cash a check, even if it is fake. A bank may not know a check is fake until the bank tries to clear the check. This process can take weeks.

Can a fake check be traced?

Con artists favor these payment methods because once the money is sent, it is almost impossible to trace or reverse. Younger people are hit especially hard. Last year, people in their twenties were more than twice as likely as people 30 and older to report losing money on a fake check scam.

Is there a way to trace a check?

Viewing your checks online is one way to trace your checks. Luckily, several banks allow you to view your canceled checks online. This lets you trace your checks. You can see when they were cashed, who cashed them and you can look at a picture of the checks to be sure that they weren’t tampered with.

What to do if you cashed a fake check?

If you think you’ve been targeted by a counterfeit check scam, report it immediately to any of the following agencies:

1. The Federal Trade Commission at FTC Complaint Assistant (www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov).
2. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov (if you received the check in the mail).

How do I know if a check has been cashed?

The quickest way to see if a check has been cashed is to call your bank. Use the phone number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly bank statement. You’ll need to provide your bank account number and the check number, along with some personal identification, such as your Social Security number or PIN.