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The Illinois Bankers Association said criminals target their
victims with sophisticated schemes that can involve a legitimate
payment request, a blank check stolen from a checkbook, a
previously paid or canceled check found in the garbage, or a
check placed in the mailbox to pay a bill.
“Things are tight and inflation is already high so we want to
make sure, as best as we can, that people are aware of this and
they’re protected and don’t fall victim to this crime,” IBA
president Randy Hultgren said.
A report from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network found
that banks reported roughly 680,000 incidents of check fraud
last year, marking a significant increase from the 350,000
reports made in 2021. The U.S. Postal Service has also reported
an unprecedented increase in mail theft and check fraud.
Hultgren advises ordering checks from a reputable source,
imprinting digital checks with a bold font that is difficult to
alter, and tracking and monitoring bank accounts regularly.
He adds that if consumers suspect suspicious behavior, they
should contact their bank immediately.
“The tactics used by these criminals are constantly evolving,
and Illinois bankers are encouraging consumers to stay informed
and vigilant,” Hultgren said.
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