What happens if you deposit a fake check
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How to tell if a check is fake: 10 signs
Knowing how to tell if a check is fake can help you avoid collecting an illegitimate form of payment. Our guide shares the top 10 warning signs of a fake check and what to do if you think you’re dealing with one.
By being aware of these indicators, you can help protect against check fraud.
An image showing a fake annotated check with warning signs.
1. Strange perforations
Atypical perforations, or the small holes along the edges of a check, can be a telltale sign of a counterfeit check.
How to spot a fake check through email
On an authentic check, perforations should be consistent in size, shape, and spacing.
Counterfeit checks may also use sub-standard paper. This not only affects the feel of the check but also how the perforations are formed.
If a check has been tampered with, the perforations might be uneven or jagged.
2. Missing check numbers
Missing or altered check numbers can indicate a counterfeit check. Every legitimate check is assigned a unique identification number as its fingerprint.
This number is typically printed prominently on the check, usually in th
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