Submitted by 2022 Presenting Show Sponsor: Blackhawk Bank
Protecting Your Campground Against Check Fraud
Paper check usage continues to decline each year, and yet check fraud remains one of the highest fraud
concerns for businesses. Believe it or not, thousands of businesses are victims of check fraud every year,
and it can catch Campground Owners by surprise. We wanted to offer some insight into this type of
fraud, as well as what steps you can take to protect your campground.
What is Check Fraud?
Check fraud is one of the oldest and still most common ways that scammers attempt to steal money.
Paper checks are an easy target for criminals. Since they’re passed hand-to-hand on their way to
payment, they can easily be stolen, duplicated, altered or cashed illegally.
One way this happens is when a check, issued by a business owner, is intercepted by a scammer. The
scammer can wash the check and then alter it. If your business account information is on the check, it
gives the scammers an opportunity to create counterfeit checks, putting more of your money at an even
greater risk.
Another common way a scammer can commit check fraud is through obtaining blank or cancelled
checks. If checks are not being securely stored, someone can steal the blank checks and illegally cash
funds.
How to Protect Your Campground Against Check Fraud
- If You Are Still Using Paper Checks, Store Them in a Secure Location
Make sure to keep any blank checks, cancelled checks and bank statements locked up
and stored in a secure spot. Consider using a safe or lockbox. Taking this extra step can
help keep you protected from fraudsters. - Reduce Paper Check Usage
Another solution is to reduce the amount of checks your business issues. A smart and
efficient way to pay vendors and to do payroll is through ACH. ACH offers a secure,
efficient and easy way for you to issue payments without the risk associated with paper
checks. - Positive Pay
Many banks offer Positive Pay solutions for businesses, which is a way to ensure that
the checks being presented for payment are legitimate before they get paid. At
Blackhawk Bank, we offer Check Positive Pay that allows businesses to upload the
information from the checks that they have issued, we verify all items presented, and
then pay only the approved checks, reducing the overall risk of financial loss. Click here
to learn more!
Finding a Reliable Banking Partner
Owning and operating a campground is a team effort, and one of the best ways you can protect your
campground is by finding a banking partner you trust. Our experienced bankers know what it takes to
set your campground and RV park up for successful seasons to come. Contact us today to learn more.
Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
Author:
Kim Lantta
VP Treasury Management