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Protect your organization from check fraud

posted on Monday, June 2, 2025 in SHAZAM Blog

In a newly released study, 80% of organizations surveyed reported they were victims of payments fraud attacks or attempts in the past year.1

More alarmingly, paper checks topped the list of compromised payment methods, with 63% of survey respondents reporting their organization faced check fraud.1

And check fraud continues to rise. The FBI reports a significant increase in check fraud with checks stolen from U.S. mail.

Choose a safer way to make payments

In today’s world, mailing checks and/or disbursements opens your organization up to unnecessary risk. SHAZAM is your trusted connection into the U.S. payment system, enabling your organization to make safe and instant electronic payments.

Plus, you can save money. While the need for paper checks is shrinking, the cost is not. The cost to process and mail a paper check is nearly $10 each, while the average cost of an instant payment disbursement is around $1.2

Beyond cost savings, electronic funds transfers offer safer and more efficient business operations. We can help transform your business with a more secure and streamlined payments process.

In case your organization needs to mail paper checks occasionally, here are some tips to make mailing them safer3:

  • Use a black ink gel pen when filling out checks. Gel pens penetrate the check paper, making them harder to wash.
  • Never leave checks in outgoing mail in an unlocked mailbox (for example, a mailbox next to the front door of an office).
  • If you use a USPS collection box to mail outgoing checks, make sure the pickup time is within the next few hours. Collection times are posted on the box.
  • Keep in mind that the most secure way to mail a check is to take it directly to the post office.
  • Frequently monitor bank statements for irregularities.

Resources

1 2025 AFP Payments Fraud and Control Survey Report

2 Commerce Bank / RBC Capital Markets

3 United States Postal Inspection Service

SHAZAM, Inc. and ITS, Inc. provide this blog for general informational purposes only. Our blog may be shared by a direct link wherein the content remains as originally presented and has not been altered. SHAZAM, Inc. and ITS, Inc. assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents on the blog. By using this blog, reader agrees that the information published does not constitute nor is a substitute for legal advice which should only be sought from a qualified, licensed attorney.