To reduce the risk of accepting NSF checks, you have to examine them carefully.

When you receive a check, take some time to examine it. It would be best if you were attentive to: → Edges: Legit checks have at least one perforated or rough rim. If all edges are smooth, something might be off with it. → Bank logo: A fake check often hasn't got a bank logo or has one that's faded. → Bank address: There aren't any street addresses, just a P.O. box or a wrong ZIP code. This indicates a fake check. → Check number: No check number at the upper right-hand corner or a number that doesn't match the check number in the MICR line means there's something wrong. → Paper: Fake checks may feel slippery and are often lighter than the paper stock used for authentic checks. → Signature: Stains or gaps around signatures, a digitized appearance, or many up and down pen strokes indicate it might be fraudulent. → MICR line: At the bottom of legit checks, you can find a series of digits in an unusual font, representing the bank routing number, the account number, and the check number, generally in that order. Also, fake MICR numbers are often shiny. → Routing number: The first nine digits of the MICR line usually make up the routing number, identifying which bank issued the check. A check with no routing number or with fewer — or more — than nine digits is a fake. Check out the Financial Institutions chartered and regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency here: https://www.occ.treas.gov/topics/charters-and-licensing/financial-institution-lists/index-financial-institution-lists.html. Also, you can verify routing numbers by going to the Federal Reserve Financial Services website: http://www.fededirectory.frb.org/reserve.cfm. Remember that if anything stands out to you, contact the financial institution listed on the check and verify the funds or refuse to accept it. Source: Sid Kirchheimer for the AARP Bulletin. Photo by freepik from Freepik.