Lost a Check in the Mail? Here's What You Should Do. (2024)

Contact Your Bank and Put a Stop Payment on the Check

If you suspect a check has been lost or stolen, you first need to contact your bank. If the check hasn't already been cashed, then you can request that they put a stop payment on it. It's a formal request that the check not be paid out by the bank if it's deposited or presented to be cashed. Stop payments on personal checks usually last for up to six months.

You can usually request a stop payment by calling your bank or visiting a branch. Some financial institutions also allow you to do it online.

To put a stop payment on a check, you'll need to know the check number, the exact amount of the check, and who you made it out to. If you present any of that information incorrectly then the check might still be cashed.

Be Aware of the Stop Payment Fees

The fees for stopping a check can range from $15 to $35. Some banks waive fees for customers who have certain types of premium accounts, and others don't charge a fee if the checks that were lost or stolen were blank.

You should be prepared to pay the fee to stop the check, and you may need to pay it again if you have not found the missing check when the six-month hold expires.

Remember to balance the amount the check was written for against the need to put a stop payment on it. If the check amount is less than the fee you’ll pay to put a stop on it, then it’s likely not worth doing. Also: The fee is per item, so if you had several checks stolen, they can add up quickly.

Consider Other Options

A stop payment can be a good solution when you know of one check that was lost in the mail. But you may want to review some other actions as well.

If you suspect criminal activity, then you'll also need to file a police report. If you believe the check was stolen from the mail, then you'll also want to report it to the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.

If an entirecheckbook was stolen, or if you suspect fraud, then you might want to consider putting a freeze or hold on your account, or closing out the account completely and opening a new one. Each bank has different policies, so it's a good idea to contact a bank representative to review your options.

Watch Out for Identity Theft

After a check is stolen, you run the same risk of identity theft that you would face after your checkbook or credit cards are stolen. You'll need to monitor your credit reports over the next several months.

You can set up a flag on the credit reports that states that the bank must call you before they lend you money or to put a freeze on your credit report. If you're thinking about buying a home or car soon, then it may not be very convenient, but it can save your credit report and prevent you from needing to clean up a big mess in the future.

If you do become a victim of identity theft, you'll need to protect yourself so you can dispute the charges with the bank and recoup your money. The Federal Trade Commission's identity theft website, will walk you through the steps you can take to protect yourself based on your circ*mstance.

Take Preventative Measures

Taking measures to help prevent your checks from being lost or stolen in the first place can save you a major headache.

First, try not to write checks if you don't have to. Most banks and credit unions offer online banking services, and many transactions can now be completed online, which eliminates the need towrite checks altogether.

If you have to write checks, then treat your checkbook like cash. Keep it at home in a safe place. If you're mailing a check, you may want to send it via certified mail, depending on the amount of the check.

But the most important thing you can do to prevent this from happening is to monitor your checking account daily so you can quickly identify any fraudulent activity or charges. This can save you time—and money—in the long run.

Who is responsible if a check is lost in the mail?

It's the responsibility of the person mailing the check to cancel it and make new payment arrangements. However, if you are waiting for payment, it's a good idea to ask the person sending the check when they posted it so you can keep an eye on your mail. If it doesn't arrive in a reasonable time, you will need to let them know, so they can pursue a stop payment.

Do I need to report a lost check after I have deposited it?

Checks contain a person's banking information, so even if you have already deposited the check, it's a good idea to report it missing to the person who used it to pay you. They will need to close, monitor, or otherwise protect their bank account to make sure no one tries to make withdrawals or payments using their funds. To prevent this, you should get in the habit of voiding and destroying checks once the payment has cleared.

Can I cancel a check after it's been cashed?

If a check has already been deposited and cleared, and the money has left your bank account, there is very little you can do to get your funds back. You will need to contact the person or business you paid to find out whether you can get a refund. If you paid for goods or services that were never received, you may need to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or take legal action to get your money back.