The Risks of Mailing Checks: Why It’s Time to Consider Safer Alternatives

We live in a digital age. And while banking electronically has become the norm for many people, the practice of mailing checks is still common for many.

Checks may seem like an easy solution for making payments, but they often come with risks, especially fraud. In this latest blog, we delve into smarter alternatives for you to consider.

The Vulnerability of Checks

Checks, when mailed, are susceptible to various forms of fraud. The information printed on every check – your name, address, bank account number, and routing number – can be a goldmine for fraudsters.

A report by the American Bankers Association highlights that check fraud accounted for 47% of bank deposit account fraud losses in 2020, a clear indication of how common check fraud has become.

Safer Alternatives to Mailing Checks

In the last few years, technology has given way to a broader range of options when it comes to making payments to businesses and individuals. Here are just a few safer alternatives to mailing a check:

• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): EFTs allow you to transfer money directly from one bank account to another. It’s a secure method as it requires authentication and typically uses encrypted data. Fidelity Bank offers TransferNow, an easy, secure, and digital way to transfer funds between your Fidelity Bank accounts and accounts at other financial institutions, directly from Online Banking and the Fidelity Mobile Banking App.

• Web Bill Pay: Fidelity Bank offers online bill pay services, where you can securely pay your bills directly from your bank account without issuing a physical check.

• Debit Cards: Debit cards are great for nearly every type of transaction and offer fraud protection. And with digital wallets, you can easily add your Fidelity Bank Visa® Debit Card to your digital wallet and pay using encrypted keys that are passed during the transaction. The retailer never sees your card number or name, so you never have to worry about your information ending up in the wrong hands.

• Mobile Payment Apps: Apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle provide a secure platform to send and receive money, using encryption to protect your financial information.

It’s time to embrace these more secure, efficient, and convenient digital options. Stay informed, stay secure, and say goodbye to the risks associated with mailing checks in this digital era.

About Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank has built a strong history as a trusted financial advisor and continues its mission of exceeding client expectations through a unique banking experience. It operates full-service offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties, along with a limited production commercial office in Luzerne County and a Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital banking experience online at www.bankatfidelity.com, through the Fidelity Mobile Banking App, and in the Client Care Center at 1-800-388-4380. Part of the Company’s vision is to serve as the best bank for the community, which was accomplished by having provided over 4,100 hours of volunteer time and over $1.7 million in donations to non-profit organizations directly within the markets served throughout 2022. Fidelity Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the full extent permitted by law.