A Shifting Landscape of Checks and Fraud

The decline in check usage does not equate to a reduction in check fraud. On the contrary, the rise in digital banking has brought new challenges, including mail theft. Notably, cases of stolen mail trucks and direct theft from mailboxes have contributed to the surge in check-related fraud.

What's alarming is how easily criminals can manipulate checks. The simplicity of modifying payee names or even "washing" the check to alter its details exacerbates the fraud situation. In 2021 alone, Q2's Positive Pay system identified and prevented around $350 million in checking ACH (Automated Clearing House) fraud, a figure that more than doubled to $720 million in 2022. The first quarter of 2023 saw a reported $200 million in fraud, indicating a persistent upward trend.

Checks Are Here to Stay

Contrary to predictions of the check's demise, experts agree that checks will continue to play a role in the financial landscape. Due to advancements in technology, clearances are now happening faster, both for physical checks and ACH payments. These rapid clearances, however, also offer opportunities for fraudsters to exploit the system's vulnerabilities. The little intricacies within the payment processes attract these criminals, making it vital for financial institutions to adopt robust fraud prevention measures.

The Power of Positive Pay

According to a recent AFP Payments Fraud Survey, the majority of organizations turn to Positive Pay as their chosen solution to counter check and ACH fraud. This preference stems from the fact that customers are intimately connected with their check and ACH transactions. They are better equipped to notice discrepancies and anomalies in their payment activities. Positive Pay empowers corporates and businesses to conduct daily account reconciliations independently. The financial institution's back office is effectively removed from the equation by shifting decision-making and research responsibilities to individual entities. This collaborative approach ensures a more vigilant and efficient response to potential fraud.

Transforming Fraud Management into a Revenue Generator

While budget constraints may deter some organizations from investing in solutions like Positive Pay, such investments can yield long-term benefits. Steve Bartels of Q2 encourages financial institutions to view Positive Pay as a revenue generator and a way to enhance customer loyalty. Some institutions even mandate their business clients to adopt Positive Pay as a proactive measure against fraud. If clients choose not to adopt such measures, they may be required to sign a waiver acknowledging their responsibility for future fraud occurrences. Brian Riley of Javelin Strategy & Research emphasizes that the implications go beyond monetary losses. Safety, soundness, and reputational risk are paramount concerns for financial institutions. By proactively addressing these issues, institutions can protect their bottom line and reputation.

Additional Fraud and Loss Prevention Resource

Minimize the risk of fraudulent checks and eliminate collection headaches by leveraging UTA's check guarantee service. A check guarantee is a valuable financial service that offers merchants protection against the risks associated with accepting checks as a form of payment. With a check guarantee service in place, the provider assumes the responsibility of verifying the validity of the check, ensuring the merchant is funded for the transaction, and assuming liability for any potential bounced or returned checks. This not only enhances the confidence of businesses in accepting checks but also streamlines their payment processing and reduces the financial impact of non-payment issues. By offering this service, businesses can focus on their core operations while minimizing the uncertainties and administrative burdens related to check payments.

Safeguarding the Future of Transactions

Despite the changing landscape of financial transactions, paper checks still hold their ground as a valuable payment method for businesses and consumers. As check and ACH fraud continue to rise, financial institutions must deploy advanced solutions such as Positive Pay and/or a check guarantee service to counter these threats. UTA's Level 4 Payment Solution applies Proprietary Risk Logic and Filters to protect your company against NSF, Fraud, Stop Payments, and more. Checks might not be going anywhere, but their security requires modern tools and strategies to meet the challenges of today's payment ecosystem. By viewing fraud management as a revenue generator and competitive differentiator, institutions can cement their commitment to their client's financial well-being and reputation in the industry.