Today First Hope Bank joined the American Bankers Association and banks across the nation to promote an industry-wide campaign educating consumers about the rapid rise in check fraud and how they can protect themselves. Reports of check fraud have nearly doubled since 2021, according to a 2023 report from the Boston Fed, and those numbers continue to climb. The #PracticeSafeChecks campaign empowers consumers with tips and tools to help combat the significant threat posed by check fraud and check washing scams.
“Criminal gangs across the country are turning to check fraud and check washing to steal money from banks and their customers,” said Paul Benda, executive vice president, risk, fraud and cybersecurity at ABA. “With the strong support of participating banks like First Hope Bank, we are confident that the #PracticeSafeChecks campaign will help consumers better protect themselves from this criminal activity.”
First Hope Bank, along with banks from across the U.S., will join forces with ABA to launch the campaign on Oct. 1 to mark the beginning of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Throughout the month First Hope Bank will share engaging short videos and consumer tips on social media and in bank branches designed to raise awareness and provide valuable tips to consumers. The new campaign is a companion consumer protection initiative to ABA’s award-winning #BanksNeverAskThat anti-phishing campaign which also relaunches Oct. 1.
The #PracticeSafeChecks website, www.practicesafechecks.com, is the heart of the campaign and reminds consumers that every time they write a check, they are exposing their personal information, such as name, address and bank account number and encourages them to use digital banking options to send money whenever possible. Also available in Spanish at www.cuidatuscheques.com, the website offers the following airline-themed safety tips:
- Use Permanent Gel Pens. Just like wearing a seatbelt when you fly, use permanent ink when you write a check to protect yourself.
- Avoid Blank Spaces. Fill those overhead compartments before take off! Similarly, make sure you fill out every blank space on a check so criminals can’t fill them in instead.
- Withhold Personal Information. The person in the middle seat doesn’t need to know your whole life story, just like you don’t need to add personal info to your checks.
- Review Accounts. Monitor your account activity on your online banking platform as attentively as you await a safe arrival message from a loved one. Regular reviews ensure you quickly notice anything out of the ordinary.
- Check Your Checks. Regularly review your paid checks on your online platform as thoroughly as airport staff check your boarding pass. Ensure the indorsement is correct and reflects the intended payee and amount to guard against fraud.
- Use Digital Payment Options. If you’re switching to digital boarding passes, why not switch to your bank’s payment app or online bill pay for fast and secure payments?
- Follow Up. Just as you confirm your flight details, make sure to follow up with payees to confirm they’ve received and deposited your check.
In addition, the #PracitceSafeChecks website covers where personal information gets exposed in checks, explains how criminals and scammers execute check fraud and offers an airline-themed, comprehensive #PracticeSafeChecks guide.
The campaign also features two new #PracticeSafeChecks videos designed to be fun and entertaining to engage consumers. One video offers a fun twist on airline safety checks and the other uses a giant check to emphasize the inconvenience and vulnerabilities of using checks.
To learn more about check fraud and check washing, visit www.practicesafechecks.com.
About First Hope Bank
First Hope Bank, established in 1911, is a full-service community bank serving customers in northwest New Jersey. With a legacy of trust and commitment to the communities we serve, First Hope Bank offers a full suite of banking products and services for both consumers and businesses. Our mission is to provide exceptional financial services while fostering relationships that make a positive impact on the lives of our customers and the community. For more information, please visit www.firsthope.bank.
First Hope Bank Media Contact: Andrew Sommerfeld, Andrew.sommerfeld@firsthope.bank
ABA Media Contact: Sarah Grano, sgrano@aba.com
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