Lincoln expert gives tips to avoid check fraud as cases spike nationwide

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Cases of check fraud are spiking across the country, nearly doubling in 2022.

That’s according to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

At the same time, the U.S. Postal Service reports that complaints of mail theft more than doubled recently.

Josh Planos with the Better Business Bureau of Nebraska said many banks will work with customers to reimburse them for fraud, but it can take some time for checks to bounce and people to realize they’ve been scammed.

Planos said there are a multitude of ways that fraudulent checks are used in scams.

He said it’s not usually as simple as someone writing you a fake check.

“It’s more used in conjunction with things like romance fraud, like employment scams,” Planos said.

While check usage has dropped over the years, people across the country still wrote around 3.4 billion of them last year.

And the average payment amount has skyrocketed as well, to over $2,600 per check.

In Lancaster County, the White Collar Crime Division of the County Attorney’s Office coordinates with Lincoln Police and other law enforcement agencies to prosecute anyone responsible for fraudulent checks.

Sgt. Steve Wiese with LPD’s technical investigation unit said most scam checks that people get nowadays are business-related.

“If you receive a business check in the mail for somebody that you don’t work for or you weren’t expecting the check, it’d definitely be a good idea to give them a call to make sure the check is valid,” he said.

Wiese said one common scam is when someone who is expecting a check receives one that’s written for thousands of dollars over the expected amount.

The sender will then ask them to return that balance through a wire transfer, cryptocurrency or even gift cards.

Wiese warns that that should be a red flag.

These trends have experts advising Americans to avoid sending checks in the mail whenever possible.

Wiese said instead, just deliver things in person when possible.

If you absolutely must mail a check, don’t put it in a residential mailbox. Instead, drop it off at the post office or give it to the mail carrier.

“Definitely don’t leave it overnight or over the week ’cause there are thieves that are out there looking,” Wiese said. “You know, I’ve been a cop for almost 25 years, and I don’t think in the past 23 or so I’ve put anything in my mailbox. Everything I deliver goes to the post office.”

Officials say if you come across any fraudulent checks, report it to police, the BBB and your bank.

The White Collar Crime Division has a guide explaining what you need to know if you’ve fallen victim to fraud.