Especially when you’re sending a physical check in the mail, there are things to keep in mind to ensure your check (and your money) remains safe and secure. Here, we’re taking a closer look at the role of checks in our economy and why people still use this form of payment. We also provide some practical tips to keep in mind the next time you drop off a check in the mail.
DO PEOPLE STILL USE CHECKS?
Believe it or not, but checks are still a popular payment method for individuals and businesses all over the world. Checks are seen as a safe, secure, and reliable method of payment that is close to being universally accepted by all types of businesses. But how many people and businesses still use checks? Well, quite a lot. According to the US Federal Reserve, millions of checks are still issued each year with a total value in the billions of dollars. While credit and debit cards continue to be more prevalent, checks still play an important role in our economy.BENEFITS OF CHECK PRINTING AND PROCESSING
In the world today, you have a lot of options when it comes to sending and receiving payments. You can opt for debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, money orders, or even just good old-fashioned cash. But many people and businesses still choose to use checks when it comes to their financial transactions? Why is this? Let’s explore some of the top benefits of using checks for your payments.- Security: even with our new digital financial transactions, checks remain as one of the safest payment methods available. With advanced check security features, such as thermochromatic ink, micro printing, and specialized water marks, it’s become more difficult than ever for a fraudster to effectively forge checks.
- Universally accepted: if you’re worried about your payment being accepted, use a check. Checks are one of the most universally accepted forms of payment-second only to cash-because they’re easy to process, secure, and allow businesses to save on costs. Checks are also a safer bet if you’re shopping through small businesses, which may not use credit cards to avoid the fee incurred on each transaction.
- Checks are easier to trace: when using a check, your bank makes a copy of this check to keep track of the payments. You can also request tracking for a check if it’s sent via the USPS, UPS, or any other major shipping company. Not only does this make it easier to keep track of your funds, it also will notify you when your check is received.
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SENDING CHECKS IN THE MAIL
Dropping a check in the mail can seem harmless enough. Most of us will simply seal the check in an envelope and send the payment off without giving it a second thought. However, sending checks in the mail leaves you vulnerable to check fraud or theft. To help prevent fraud and theft and ensure that your funds remain secure, there are some important things to know about sending checks in the mail.
1. Never make the check payable to cash: stealing a check that is made payable to cash is the easiest way for someone to fraudulently access your funds. When a check is made out to cash, someone can simply cash it at a bank or a retail store that provides this service. Always make your check payable to the specific person or organization you intend to pay.
2. Use the post office: whenever possible, drop your check off at a nearby post office or any other secure mailbox, such as one at a FedEx store. These boxes are much more difficult for potential fraudsters to tamper with.
3. Hide your check: your classic white envelope may not be ideal for sending checks since it’s easy to see what is inside. Use a darker colored envelope or wrap your check in a piece of paper to help conceal it.
4. Send via certified mail: for added security, consider sending your check through certified mail that makes it easier to track your check.
5. Get all the information correct: last but not least, make sure you’ve completely (and correctly) filled out the entire check. Missing information makes it easier for someone to potentially forge your check and incorrect information, like in the address, could easily get your check lost.
However, no matter how security features your checks come with, there’s always the potential for check fraud. Fraudulent or stolen checks can put your personal information and funds at risk-this is especially true when sending checks in the mail. To prevent check fraud, you should always work to hide your check in the envelope, never make the check payable to cash, and use a USPS mailbox whenever you can. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can rest easy knowing your funds are secure.
1. Never make the check payable to cash: stealing a check that is made payable to cash is the easiest way for someone to fraudulently access your funds. When a check is made out to cash, someone can simply cash it at a bank or a retail store that provides this service. Always make your check payable to the specific person or organization you intend to pay.
2. Use the post office: whenever possible, drop your check off at a nearby post office or any other secure mailbox, such as one at a FedEx store. These boxes are much more difficult for potential fraudsters to tamper with.
3. Hide your check: your classic white envelope may not be ideal for sending checks since it’s easy to see what is inside. Use a darker colored envelope or wrap your check in a piece of paper to help conceal it.
4. Send via certified mail: for added security, consider sending your check through certified mail that makes it easier to track your check.
5. Get all the information correct: last but not least, make sure you’ve completely (and correctly) filled out the entire check. Missing information makes it easier for someone to potentially forge your check and incorrect information, like in the address, could easily get your check lost.
CONCLUSION:
We all have options when it comes to how we want to send and receive funds. Whether using a credit or debit card, electronic payments, or simply cash, we all want our payments to be fast, secure, and reliable. For this reason, many individuals and businesses still rely on checks for the majority of their financial transactions. While this payment method may seem outdated, checks are useful because they’re safe, universally accepted, and easy to track and record. For many, checks are even just simply easier to use.However, no matter how security features your checks come with, there’s always the potential for check fraud. Fraudulent or stolen checks can put your personal information and funds at risk-this is especially true when sending checks in the mail. To prevent check fraud, you should always work to hide your check in the envelope, never make the check payable to cash, and use a USPS mailbox whenever you can. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can rest easy knowing your funds are secure.