Still Sending Checks in the Mail? Know the Risks

Did you know that sending paper checks through the mail is still a major risk for identity theft?

Mail fraud is a common way criminals access personal and financial information. Digital payment options are typically safer and more secure. Fortunately, there are more convenient alternatives than ever to send payments digitally!  

What are the risks of sending checks in the mail?

• Weather, holiday, or unexpected postal service delays 
• Putting the “red flag” up on your mailbox is a sign to everyone, including potential fraudsters, that there could be something worth stealing in there
• If a check in the mail does get stolen, a fraudster may alter the check amount and who it is payable to. Because your checks include important account details, that information could also be used to create new, fraudulent checks

What are some alternative options?

• For paying bills directly to a company:
  • Pay all your bills in one place with our WESTconsin Online Bill Pay service
  • Consider using the company’s secure and trusted online system to create an account and provide your banking information to pay from 
• For sending money to a family member or a friend:
  • WESTconsin Online and Mobile App offers Member-to-Member transfers (if they have an account at WESTconsin)
  • If they have an account at a different financial, use a reputable Person-to-Person payment service or application
• For sending money between your own accounts at other financials:
  • Use WESTconsin Online External (Account-to-Account) transfers
• For business account owners:
  • Consider utilizing Business Connect as a convenient option to pay vendors, utilities, or even employees directly via ACH

Sending payments by check through mail should be a last resort, but if you do have a situation where it needs to happen, make sure you’re using a trusted courier that has tracking capabilities as an extra precaution. Ideally, you should drop it off directly at your local post office. Even official post office boxes that are outdoors are at risk of being broken into. 

Mail theft can happen to anyone, but taking these extra precautions or using alternative payment methods is a great way to reduce risk and protect yourself. If you have concerns about fraudulent activity or fall victim to mail theft that leaves your financial information compromised, contact us right away. WESTconsin is always here to help!