Red flags during deposits may be identified through visual, informational or behavioral clues. These red flags may indicate a check deposit could be fraudulent, prompting further investigation or action to mitigate the risk.
The interactive assessments below each present questions based on these different types of clues to see if you can identify the red flags. To get started, select one of the scenarios below.
Visual red flags typically are found by visually inspecting the check being deposited. These could include inconsistencies or anomalies on the front or back of the check.
Informational clues can be used to identify red flags within a broader context – such as by reviewing the account and customer profile in addition to the information provided on the check.
Behavioral observations also can be used to identify possible red flags. Certain behaviors – such as transaction patterns or requests – that have characteristics corresponding with known fraud trends may warrant additional investigation.
Explore the toolkit modules below for resources to help prevent and detect check fraud.
The check fraud mitigation toolkit was developed by the Federal Reserve to help educate the industry about check fraud and outline potential ways to help detect and mitigate this fraud type. Insights for this toolkit were provided through interviews with industry experts, publicly available research, and team member expertise. This toolkit is not intended to result in any regulatory or reporting requirements, imply any liabilities for fraud loss, or confer any legal status, legal definitions, or legal rights or responsibilities. While use of this toolkit throughout the industry is encouraged, utilization of the toolkit is voluntary at the discretion of each individual entity. Absent written consent, this toolkit may not be used in a manner that suggests the Federal Reserve endorses a third-party product or service.