Check Verification
Electronic check verification is a valuable process that enables businesses or individuals to ensure the legitimacy of a customer’s checking account before completing a transaction. It works seamlessly for both in-person and online transactions, taking just a few seconds to verify the account information. This service is a crucial safeguard against fraudulent transactions involving physical and electronic checks.
Check verification involves businesses taking the necessary steps to ensure that a customer’s payment will be successfully processed. When paying by check or eCheck, there is typically a delay of several days between issuance and clearance. This time gap allows fraudsters to avoid payment as they obtain the goods or services and disappear. Let’s explore the electronic check verification process and how it helps detect check fraud.
To verify a physical check, follow this 5-step process:
- Identify the bank that issued the check(s). The bank name is usually mentioned on the front of the check.
- Conduct a quick Google search to find the customer service phone number of the bank.
- Contact the customer service agent and request assistance in verifying the check.
- Provide the routing and account numbers, both of which are located on the front of the check.
- Inform the customer service agent about the amount of the check.
For businesses, having merchant check verification services is crucial. Comprehensive merchant accounts that offer verification services enable businesses to accept checks and other payment methods with minimal risk.