Money Smarts Blog

Remember when depositing a check meant finding a branch, filling out a deposit slip, and waiting in line?

Neither do we. 😉

With remote deposit capture, you can deposit eligible checks right from your phone using your IHMVCU Digital Banking. Take a picture of the front and back of your check, enter the amount, submit the deposit, and you're on your way.

No branch trip required. Pretty convenient, right?

But there's one important thing to remember:

Remote deposit capture makes depositing a check easier. It doesn't make a questionable check legitimate.

And that's where we come in.

When a Check Comes With Strings Attached

As members of the IHMVCU Fraud Team, we see plenty of scams involving fake checks. They can show up in all sorts of ways.

Maybe you're selling something online and the buyer "accidentally" sends you too much. Maybe you've landed a work-from-home job. Maybe you've won a prize you don't remember entering.

The story changes, but the scam usually has the same ending:

"Deposit this check, then send some of the money back."

That's your cue to hit the brakes.

Even if the money appears in your account, that doesn't necessarily mean the check is legitimate. A fraudulent check can be discovered after funds have been made available, potentially leaving you responsible for money you've already spent or sent.

Before You Tap "Deposit," Ask Yourself:

• Was I expecting this check?
• Do I know who sent it?
• Does the amount make sense?
• Why am I being asked to send money somewhere else?
• Is someone pressuring me to act quickly?

If something feels off, pause.

Scammers love urgency. "Deposit it today!" "Send it right away!" "This offer expires soon!"

That's exactly when you should slow things down.

Your IHMVCU Fraud Team Has Your Back

You don't have to figure out whether something is a scam on your own.

If you receive a suspicious check, someone asks you to deposit a check and send money elsewhere, or the whole situation just feels a little... fishy, reach out to IHMVCU before you deposit it.

We're here to help you spot the red flags and figure out your next step.

Because remote deposit capture should make banking easier. It shouldn't make it easier for a scammer to get their hands on your money.