Protect Your Business From Check Fraud

Steps YOU can take to combat this crime:

• Promptly examine and reconcile account statements to ensure all items paid against the account are authorized. Immediately report any irregularities to the bank.
• Report lost, stolen, or forged checks immediately to the bank.
• Make certain to properly secure or dispose of any checks that have been voided.
• Take a physical inventory of check stock at least quarterly to account for every check.
• Close unused accounts and make certain to destroy any unused checks.
• Order check stock from reputable dealers and verify the accuracy of all shipments.
• Use highly secured check stock that contains multiple layers of security features.
• Print checks using large fonts. Criminals can easily erase words and numerals in small type and cover those erasures with larger fonts.
• Implement proper hiring practices to keep people with a history of crime out of your organization.
• Keep all check stock and account statements secured with limited employee access. Vendors should not have access to these items.
• Make certain access to computer check printing software is properly restricted.
• Understand the risk and responsibility that comes with using a facsimile signature on checks.
• Implement direct deposit of payroll and enjoy all the company and employee benefits.
• Implement positive pay or reverse positive pay, and be assured that only the checks you have authorized will clear your account.

To learn more about protecting your account, contact Cash Management Services securely online, or via telephone at (574) 235-2615, toll free at (800) 399-5592.