Guarding What Matters: Staying Safe from Check Fraud

At 316, we believe managing money is more than math—it’s stewardship. That means not just giving generously, but protecting wisely. Whether you’re running a ministry, leading a business, or simply trying to live out your purpose, part of honoring God with your finances is guarding what He’s placed in your hands.

That’s why we want to talk about something that feels a little old-school but is still a very real threat: check fraud.

Wait, people still write checks?

They do—and scammers know it. In fact, check fraud is on the rise. Why? Because checks are physical, easy to alter, and often overlooked in a world where most people watch their debit cards but not their paper trail.

In 2023, the U.S. Postal Service and financial regulators issued warnings about a spike in mail-based check scams. And it’s not just a big-city problem. It’s happening in small towns, local churches, and nonprofit offices—often to people who are just trying to do good.

Who’s at risk?

Honestly? Anyone. But especially:

• Churches and ministries who receive check donations
• Small business owners who still pay vendors by check
• Older adults who prefer paper over digital
• Anyone who sends or receives checks by mail

What check scams look like

Scammers are getting creative—but here are a few red flags to watch for:

• You’re sent a check and asked to send money back. (They’ll say it’s a mistake or overpayment—then the check bounces.)
• The check amount seems off or more than expected.
• You spot smudged signatures, strange fonts, or different inks.
• You receive a check out of the blue—like a rebate, prize, or refund you didn’t ask for.

Simple ways to protect yourself

You don’t need a finance degree to outsmart a scam. Just take these small steps:

• Use online bill pay or ACH transfers instead of mailing checks
• Only deposit checks from people you know and trust
• Check your account activity weekly—don’t wait for statements
• Shred old checks and deposit slips before tossing them
• Report anything suspicious right away—to your bank and the authorities

Know that at 316, we’re doing everything we can to help you steward well and live with peace.

If you think you’ve been targeted or want to talk through your options, reach out. We’re here for you—always.