2026 Essential Tips for Preventing Check Fraud
March 04, 2026
Essential tips to protect your business from check fraud before a bad check costs you.
Check fraud continues to be one of the most common threats facing businesses that accept payments. Knowing what to look for — and what to do — can make all the difference. Here's what every merchant needs to know.
Step 01
Before You Accept a Personal Check
- Verify a valid U.S. Driver's License — not an expired license, and not a State ID
- Confirm the photo on the license matches the person standing in front of you
- Match the license number to what is written on the check (if included)
- Compare the signature on the license to the signature on the check
- If the addresses differ, handwrite the address from the license directly on the check
Step 02
Approval Number Alert
- Approval numbers are given only to the merchant — never to the customer
- A customer should never have an approval number to share with you
Watch for these scenarios
If a customer does any of the following, treat it as a red flag:
- Hands you their phone
- Claims to already have an approval number
- Asks you to speak to someone on their phone
STOP — Do not process the transaction. Call United TranzActions directly from your own business line.
Step 03
Fraud Red Flags to Know
- Nervous behavior, excessive chattiness, or avoiding eye contact
- Becomes irate after a decline
- Produces multiple checks during a single transaction
- New customer placing a large remote order
- Sends a "runner" for pickup instead of coming in person
- Requests shipping to a different address or state from what's on the check
When in Doubt — Don't Process. Call UTA.
Fraud prevention starts with you. If something feels off, trust your instincts and contact us before completing the transaction.
