Anchor: Mayzie Olson
•6/25/2026
Artificial intelligence is prompting new warnings from various banks to protect your money from a growing concern: check fraud.
AI does two things: it strengthens protections for hard-earned money, but it also makes fraud more sophisticated.
In fact, the Federal Trade Commission reported $12.5 billion in fraud losses for consumers and businesses in 2024, up 25% from the year before.
AI helps criminals generate highly realistic checks, like bank logos and signatures, even fake invoices, email chains and payroll documents.
Having good financial habits is a great way to start fighting fraudsters.
Check monthly statements, set up alerts for all activity on your bank accounts, and, if possible, always pay digitally.
Another big piece of advice is to stop and take a moment to really analyze any check you receive because, thanks to AI, fake ones can be hard to spot.
Fake checks do have some red flags, though.
When you write a check, you rip it straight out of a checkbook. So, if all sides are smooth, it can be an indication that the check is illegitimate.
The Magnetic Ink Character Recognition line, also known as the MICR line, is a line of digital characters at the bottom of the check. This ink is dull and flat. If it looks shiny or raised, or if it's not there at all, it is a fake check.
The actual check number should appear in two places: in the upper-right-hand corner and at the end of the MICR line at the bottom. If those two numbers don't match, there could be a problem.
Legitimate checks are also on high-quality matte paper. If it feels thin, flimsy, or shiny, it's probably not authentic.
If you're even suspicious, just don't cash it.
Contact your bank, verify it, and, if it doesn't pass, notify the authorities like USPS or the FTC.
