What to do if You’re a Victim of Check Fraud

If check fraud happens, acting quickly matters.

Finding out you’ve been a victim of check fraud can feel overwhelming. 

Maybe a check was stolen from the mail. Maybe your account shows a payment you never authorized. Or maybe you deposited a check that turned out to be fake. 

No matter how it happened, one thing is true: acting quickly matters. The sooner you respond, the better your chance of limiting financial loss, protecting your account, and preventing further fraud. 

If you think you’re a victim of check fraud, here are the steps to take. 

Download the Victim Action Guide

A Checklist to Help You Spot the Signs Early

• Step 1: Contact your financial institution immediately
• Step 2: Review recent account activity
• Step 3: Document suspicious transactions
• Step 4: File a fraud report
• Step 5: Secure your account
• Step 6: Replace compromised checks
• Step 7: Monitor your credit reports for identity theft

Important

If the fraud involves a mobile deposit or electronic check, it should still be treated as check fraud. Report it immediately! Banks can investigate both digital and paper-based scams. Fraudsters often combine electronic checks, mobile deposits, and instant payment requests (wire, ACH, or peer-to-peer transfers). These combined tactics are designed to create urgency and confusion.

Disclaimer: Information adapted from America Saves, “How to Detect Check Fraud Early,” in partnership with the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), America’s Credit Unions, and TruStage®. Used with permission where applicable.

Check Yourself: A Checklist to Help You Spot the Signs Early

Check fraud can happen quickly.

Catching it early can make a big difference. A delayed payment, an unfamiliar transaction, or a check clearing for the wrong amount can all be warning signs.

The best protection? Regular account monitoring.

Read this blog post from America Saves and use their simple checklist to help you review your account, track payments, and spot suspicious activity sooner.

It only takes a few minutes each week and it can help protect your money.

Download the Fraud Detection Checklist

A Checklist to Help You Spot the Signs Early

• Review account activity weekly
• Check for unfamiliar payments
• Verify check amounts
• Review cleared check images
• Confirm mailed payments arrived
• Set up transaction alerts
• Track check numbers
• Watch for duplicate check numbers
• Review low balance alerts
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Confirm funds are fully cleared before using or transferring any money

Red Flags

• Missing checks
• Unexpected withdrawals
• Delayed payments
• Unknown payees
• You are asked to “return” money after depositing a check
• Pressure from sender to act quickly

Disclaimer: Information adapted from America Saves, “How to Detect Check Fraud Early,” in partnership with the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), America’s Credit Unions, and TruStage®. Used with permission where applicable.

Check Yourself: 5 Types of Check Fraud You Should Know

Check fraud doesn’t always look the same.

Sometimes it starts with stolen mail. Other times it starts with a fake job offer, prize scam, or altered payment.

Understanding how fraud happens can help you spot red flags before money is lost.

This week, we’re sharing new resources from America Saves, which include the five most common types of check fraud and what to watch for, from check washing to counterfeit checks.

Take a few minutes to review these common tactics, and share this information with family and friends.

Awareness is one of the best tools for prevention.

View the Fraud Types Guide

5 Types of Check Fraud You Should Know

• Mail Theft: Checks stolen from mailboxes or collection boxes before delivery. 
• Check Washing: Stolen checks altered by changing the payee name or dollar amount.
• Counterfeit Checks: Fake checks using stolen account information.
• Forged Checks: Forged drawer signatures, endorsements or altered payment details.
• Fake Check Scams: Scams involving job offers, prizes, overpayments, or online sales. Many now involve electronic checks, mobile deposits, or requests to send money through peer-to-peer payment apps. 

Signs to Watch For

• Missing mail or delayed payments
• Unexpected checks or payments
• Checks clearing for the wrong amount
• Unfamiliar account activity or transactions
• Pressure to send money quickly
• Requests to deposit a check and return part of the money electronically

Prevention Tips

• Secure outgoing mail whenever possible
• Monitor your bank account regularly
• Set up account alerts
• Verify unexpected checks or payments
• Never send money back before a check fully clears
• Be cautious with electronic checks or payment requests from unknown people 

Disclaimer: All materials provided are courtesy of America Saves and Veteran Saves, in partnership with the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), America’s Credit Unions, and TruStage®. These materials are used with permission where applicable and remain the property of their respective organizations.

Check Yourself: Stop Check Fraud Before it Starts

Check fraud may sound like an old problem, but it’s becoming a growing financial risk for consumers of all ages.

Criminals are using stolen mail, fake checks, and financial scams to access money and personal banking information. As paper checks often contain sensitive account details, they remain a target.

The good news? Simple habits can help protect your money.

This month, we’re joining America Saves to help consumers learn how to recognize check fraud, monitor their accounts, and take action if something looks wrong.

Download the Check Fraud Basics Guide

What is Check Fraud

Check fraud happens when someone steals, alters, or misuses a check to access money or banking information. 

Common examples include stolen checks, altered checks, fake checks, forged signatures, and scam-related fake payments.

Who is Most at Risk?

• Renters paying by check  

• Small business owners  

• Families managing shared finances

• Older adults  

• Young adults targeted by job scams

Simple Ways to Protect Yourself

• Mail checks from inside the post office

• Avoid leaving outgoing checks in the mailbox overnight  

• Use gel ink and avoid leaving blank spaces on checks (blank space can make it easier for scammers to alter information)

• Monitor your bank account  

• Set up account alerts  

• Be cautious of unexpected checks, checks received electronically or through messaging apps 

• Never send money back on “pending” deposits alone 

Check Fraud Can Also Be Digital

Check fraud isn’t limited to paper checks anymore. Today, scammers may also use electronic checks or digital methods, including: 

• Sending fake checks electronically via email or messaging apps  
• Asking you to deposit checks through a mobile banking app  
• Combining fake checks with requests to send money back quickly  

Even if a check appears in your account, it does not always mean the money is real or finalized. 

Disclaimer: All materials provided are courtesy of America Saves and Veteran Saves, in partnership with the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), America’s Credit Unions, and TruStage®. These materials are used with permission where applicable and remain the property of their respective organizations.

2025 Annual Report

• CorePlus Annual Report 2025

2025 Community Impact Report

• CorePlus Community Impact Report 2025

ANNUAL MEETING & NOTICE OF ELECTIONS

The Nominating Committee, consisting of Emeritus Directors Jean Swift and Glenn Wilcox as well as Director Grace Vandal has presented its report of nominees for the Board of Directors in accordance with the bylaws of CorePlus Federal Credit Union. The following individuals have been nominated for election to 3-year terms each:

Louis J. Fusaro, Sr. was the Chief of Police for twenty years when he retired with 48 years of service to the Norwich community. During his 50 years in law enforcement, he also served as President of; the Connecticut Police Association (PAC), the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA), and is the current Secretary of the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc. (NEACOP). Chief Fusaro has been a Credit Union member and supporter since 1968. He was a past Director, and volunteer President of the former Norwich Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union for a period of 10 years, before it merged with CorePlus Credit Union. Chief Fusaro served on the CorePlus Supervisory Committee for several years and has been a CorePlus Director since 2014.

Kenneth P. Levy, C.P.M. joined the CorePlus Supervisory Committee in November of 2016, serving as chair since 2019 and joined the board in August 2024. Ken has been Director of Procurement and Contracts for over 35 years, working for multinational firms headquartered in CT, MA, VA, and Europe. He has experience in the biopharma, insurance, logistics, defense contracting, and high-tech manufacturing areas. Since retiring from Genzyme Corporation, a Sanofi Company, Ken has been active with various Multiple Myeloma research and support organizations. He has a BS in Physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and continues to serve on various boards and remains an active volunteer in the community.

David Moorehead was the Executive Director of the Waterford Country School for 31 years and has served many years with local civic, religious, and municipal organizations. Mr. Moorehead brings management and financial experience in nonprofit institutions to his role as a board member. He has been affiliated with CorePlus since 1982, serving as a Director since 2011, and chairs the Facilities Committee.

Karen Walters has been a Scient Federal Credit Union Board member since 2017 and Board Chair since 2021. She has over 30 years as a Pharmaceutical Scientist and has held several positions with Pfizer over the last 25 years, currently as an Associate Research Fellow in Drug Safety. Karen received her BS (Biology, Chemistry & Math, St. Mary College, Leavenworth KS), MS (Physical Chemistry, St. Louis Univ.), PhD (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. of Missouri-Kansas City), MBA (Fairleigh Dickinson Univ., Madison, NJ), and Master’s in Public Health (Univ. Mass-Amherst). Karen has extensive volunteer experience that includes board positions with United Way of Southeast CT, Sacred Heart School (Chair) (Groton, CT), St. Bernard School (Uncasville, CT), Sacred Heart/St. Mary Parishes (Groton, CT), and the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class.

Nancy Bulkeley retired from Dominion Nuclear Energy after 25 years. As the Senior Community Affairs Representative, Nancy was responsible for representing the company and its policies and programs in the community.  Her primary interface was to local governmental and community groups not only in nuclear related discussions but as a key interface for the local charities that are part of Dominion’s focus as a responsible member of the community.  Nancy currently chairs our Donations Committee and has served on committees and boards for several non-profit organizations in her community. She also supported education programs through tours, community outreach, special events, and established and promoted minority outreach programs.

Election and Meeting

Having met the bylaw provisions that at least one nomination be made for each vacant position, there will be no nomination(s) from the floor. No petition nominations having been received the election will be a single vote cast by the secretary in acclamation and will not be conducted by ballot.

The 89th CorePlus Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Mystic Hilton, 20 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355. Registration is at 4:00pm and the meeting starts at 4:30pm.

You may RSVP by contacting the Scient call center at 860-445-1060 or CorePlus call center at 860-886-0576.