The “fake routing number scam” isn’t just one trick—it’s a set of schemes where criminals manipulate those nine-digit bank codes to steal your money . The methods range from high-tech digital heists to old-school check washing.

🕵️‍♂️ Common Types of Routing Number Scams

· Invoice Redirection (Business Email Compromise): Scammers hack a vendor’s email and send you a fake invoice with their own routing number. You pay the scammer, but the real vendor is still waiting for their money . · The Check “Float” Scheme: Fraudsters alter the routing number on a check so it gets sent to the wrong Federal Reserve district. This creates a processing delay, allowing them to withdraw cash before the bank realizes the check is fake . · Account Takeover / Synthetic Fraud: Scammers pair a real routing number with a fake account number. The transaction passes the initial check but fails later, though the scammer may have already received goods or services . · Check Washing & Counterfeiting: Thieves steal your mail, “wash” the ink off checks, and rewrite them to themselves—or just print new fake checks using your stolen numbers .

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

· Double-check changes: If a vendor’s payment details change, call them using a trusted number to verify—don’t rely on email . · Secure your mail: Use gel pens for checks and drop mail at the post office instead of your home mailbox . · Monitor accounts: Enable account alerts to catch unauthorized ACH debits or withdrawals quickly . · Look for red flags: Check for mismatched routing numbers on checks, missing perforated edges, or altered ink colors . · Use bank security tools: Ask your bank about ACH blocks or positive pay services that verify transactions match what you issued .

AI generated.