Stay Ahead of Check Fraud
Published April 22, 2026.
Checks may feel familiar, but they are a common target for fraud.
Fraudsters can intercept share draft checks, change and cash them without members realizing until well after the activity occurred, making recovery far more difficult.
But you can protect yourself with early awareness and a few consistent habits.
Enroll and use online or mobile banking to keep tabs on your funds, and even set up custom alerts so you can be informed of different activities on your account.
Making a habit of reviewing transactions helps ensure unfamiliar activity doesn’t blend in over time.
Discrepancies, even small ones, should be reviewed right away.
When checks are no longer needed (including unused, voided or outdated checks), shred them to prevent misuse.
Limiting check usage can be a proactive step toward protecting your accounts.
You can report fraud or suspicious activity to Kinecta by calling our Member Contact Center at 800.854.9846, starting a chat on kinecta.org or sending us a message in online or mobile banking.
Learn more about how to keep your information and money secure at our Security Center.
Checks may feel familiar, but they are a common target for fraud.
Fraudsters can intercept share draft checks, change and cash them without members realizing until well after the activity occurred, making recovery far more difficult.
But you can protect yourself with early awareness and a few consistent habits.
Review account activity regularly
One of the most effective ways to catch check fraud is also one of the simplest: regularly reviewing your account activity.Enroll and use online or mobile banking to keep tabs on your funds, and even set up custom alerts so you can be informed of different activities on your account.
Making a habit of reviewing transactions helps ensure unfamiliar activity doesn’t blend in over time.
View check images online
Online or mobile banking allows you to view images of cleared checks, a powerful tool for spotting problems early. Reviewing these images can help you identify:- Payees you don’t recognize
- Altered payment amounts
- Duplicate checks that may still carry your information
Promptly reconcile statements against personal records
Reconciling your account statements against your personal records (such as check registers, receipts or payment confirmations) helps ensure everything matches what you intended.Discrepancies, even small ones, should be reviewed right away.
Safeguard checks and account information
Store your checks securely at all times. Avoid leaving them in cars, shared spaces or unsecured areas.When checks are no longer needed (including unused, voided or outdated checks), shred them to prevent misuse.
Limit check usage when possible
When available, electronic payment options such as online bill pay or ACH transfers may reduce risk by keeping payments within secure digital channels.Limiting check usage can be a proactive step toward protecting your accounts.
Report anything suspicious immediately
If something doesn’t look right, don’t wait. Reporting suspicious or unauthorized activity as soon as it’s discovered helps ensure it can be investigated within the allowable timeframe.You can report fraud or suspicious activity to Kinecta by calling our Member Contact Center at 800.854.9846, starting a chat on kinecta.org or sending us a message in online or mobile banking.
Early awareness protects your progress
Staying attentive to account activity helps ensure that fraudulent check activity doesn’t quietly undo what you’ve worked hard to build.Learn more about how to keep your information and money secure at our Security Center.