Helpful Articles

Think of mail fraud as the sneaky cousin of online scams—it often starts with old-fashioned snail mail, but it’s anything but outdated. Whether you're sending a check or receiving one, fraudsters have found some clever ways to trick you. Mail fraud is a federal crime—and unfortunately, scammers are getting more creative. 

Bryson Machonga, BLC’s new Head of Treasury Management, emphasizes that mail fraud remains a persistent threat. “Throughout my career in Treasury Management, I expected mail fraud would become a thing of the past as scammers grew more sophisticated. But that hasn’t happened. Every year, more and more businesses are affected: fraudsters break into mailboxes, steal checks, wash them, or even order new check stock that looks almost identical to yours. And it isn’t just your business or home mailbox at risk—it’s any mailbox you send a check to,” he explains.

And while it might sound like something that only happens in big cities, mail fraud is happening right here in our own communities too—including areas across Brown County and beyond.

What Mail Fraud Looks Like Today

For most of us, a typical scam involves an unexpected check in the mail—maybe someone “overpaid” or you “won a prize.” You’re asked to wire the extra back, and by the time the bank realizes the check is fake, the money’s gone.

Businesses face even bigger risks. Outgoing checks can be intercepted , or a scammer might spoof an email—saying they’re a vendor and asking you to change payment details.

Once a check is intercepted, the risks escalate quickly. Fraudsters may use a technique called “check washing,” where they erase the original details from your check and rewrite it to themselves for a higher amount. In other cases, they may use your checking information to create counterfeit checks or order nearly identical check stock, allowing them to drain your account or impersonate your business. This not only results in financial losses, but can also trigger complicated disputes with your bank and harm your business’s reputation.

It’s also worth noting that check fraud often goes hand-in-hand with digital scams like Business Email Compromise (BEC). BEC is a form of email spoofing where criminals impersonate trusted contacts—like vendors or company executives—to trick you into changing payment instructions or sending money to fraudulent accounts. These convincing emails may look authentic but are crafted to deceive, making it vital to verify any unexpected payment requests, especially those sent via email.

How to Spot a Scam

Here are some red flags worth remembering:

1. Unexpected mail or checks — especially with urgent requests to act quickly. Scammers love to create panic.
2. Requests for odd  payment methods — like gift cards or wire transfers to unknown accounts.
3. Emails asking for payment changes — especially if they say they're your vendor but insist you update payment details via email.
4. Pressure to keep things “confidential” or not run anything by someone else.
5. Pay attention to unfamiliar vehicles or individuals lingering around your business premises—particularly near mailboxes or areas where mail is collected or dropped off. Extended loitering or repeated appearances at odd hours could indicate someone is monitoring or attempting to intercept your mail. Stay alert and report any suspicious activity to local authorities right away.

Simple, Smart Ways to Protect Yourself

• Take all outgoing mail directly to the post office or an official blue USPS mailbox—never leave checks or sensitive documents in your home or business mailbox with the flag up. The flag is a signal to thieves as much as it is to postal workers.
• Don’t trust unexpected mail—review it carefully. Double-check the out-of-the-blue checks and mail—call the company directly using a number you know.
• If you receive a request to update payment information, don’t rely on contact details provided in the message—always call a confirmed phone number you already have on file to verify the change.
• Never wire money, send gift cards, or respond to pressure tactics.
• Double-check URLs before clicking—type the address yourself.
• Don’t give out personal info (SSN, card numbers) over mail, email, or phone unless you initiated contact.
• Hang up if someone pressures you to act fast.
• Utilize your bank’s fraud tools as a best practice to minimize risk.

Tools for Business: Stronger, Smarter Fraud Protection

At BLC Community Bank, we understand that business owners juggle enough already—worrying about fraud shouldn’t be part of your day. That’s why we offer a suite of powerful Treasury Management tools designed to make payments safer, faster, and more secure.

Positive Pay is your first line of defense against check fraud. Even if your business rarely writes checks, your routing and account numbers can still be compromised—fraudsters may use this information to create counterfeit checks and withdraw funds before you notice anything amiss. When you upload a list of the checks your business has issued, Positive Pay  compares every incoming check against that list. Anything that doesn’t match? It gets flagged before any money leaves your account. You’ll receive a notice and decide whether to approve or reject it. Think of it as having a digital bouncer for your account.

ACH Positive Pay  adds another layer of protection, this time for electronic payments. You can set rules that define what kinds of ACH (Automated Clearing House) debits are acceptable . If a transaction doesn’t meet your rules, you’re alerted right away—giving you control before fraud can happen.

ACH Payments streamline your cash flow by letting you send and receive money electronically instead of mailing checks. It’s faster, cheaper, and far more secure. Whether you’re paying vendors, handling payroll, or collecting from clients, ACH keeps your information out of the mail and off criminals’ radar.

Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) lets you scan checks and deposit them right from your office. You’ll save time, reduce trips to the bank, and get quicker access to your funds. Plus, it’s all encrypted and securely transmitted through our online banking system—so you can focus on your business, not your bank run.

And if you're unsure which tools best fit your business? Our Treasury Management specialists are happy to provide a complimentary review. We’ll look at your current processes and help you find the right mix of solutions to protect your accounts and support your growth.

What to Do if You Detect Fraud

• For individuals, tools like SecureAlerts and CardCentral let you control card activity, receive alerts, and even freeze transactions instantly. Zelle^® and electronic transfers offer secure, traceable alternatives to mailing checks.
• For businesses, our Treasury Management specialists are on hand—happy to do a complimentary review of your business's payment processes and recommend what fits best. We’ll evaluate if Positive Pay, ACH origination, or something else is ideal for you.
• Fraud education & support: We provide resources, alerts, and friendly assistance to help you recognize and prevent fraud.

Quick Tips Cheat Sheet

Mail fraud might seem like a blast from the past, but it's anything but old-school. Today's scammers mix letters, emails, and electronic payments into sophisticated scams. The good news? Armed with awareness, smart behaviors, and the right tools from BLC—like Positive Pay, ACH services, and expert Treasury guidance—you’re not easy to fool.

Have questions?

Contact our Treasury Management team or Deposit Operations today. We're always ready to chat—safely, securely, and helpfully.

Know someone who could benefit from stronger fraud protection or smarter banking tools? Whether it's a friend, family member, or fellow business owner, we’d love to help. Referring them to BLC is easy—and you can feel good knowing you’re helping others protect what matters most.

Stay aware, stay protected, and thank you for banking with us!