Convenience prevails in the digital age. With a few clicks, we can order groceries, clothes, and even personal checks. But behind the veil of convenience lies a darker truth: the exploitation of online check ordering services by fraudsters. Websites like Walmartchecks.com, Checksunlimited.com, and Deluxechecks.com, originally intended for legitimate transactions, have unwittingly become tools for criminal activity.
Enter the fraudster's playbook—a 12-step guide to ordering checks online for illicit purposes. It offers an alarming window into the world of cybercrime, where each click furthers the criminals’ malevolent objectives.
Step one sets the stage, highlighting the plethora of online check ordering websites available. From Walmartchecks.com to Checksunlimited.com and Deluxechecks.com, they all follow a similar process. The fraudster offers a disclaimer of sorts: any of these websites will do, but the choice is yours.
Figure 1: Fraudster introducing his tutorial on ordering a client's checks. The websites used to order checks are listed.
The process continues with steps two, three, and four, where the fraudster selects the type of check—personal or business—and chooses a design. Although it seems like an innocuous choice, it sets the stage for deceit.
Step five introduces the concept of personalization. Here, the fraudster can input bank login or check information obtained through illicit means. It's a crucial stage where the seeds of fraud are sown.
The sixth step goes into the specifics of bank account data. Account numbers, routing numbers, and check numbers are entered, setting the stage for the fraudulent transaction.
Figure 2: Shows steps 2-6 on how to order client's checks from walmartchecks[.]com.
Step seven involves typing out the account number, routing number, and check number to a box labeled “Entire bottom row of numbers.” But it's step eight that's the linchpin of the operation. Here, the fraudster enters the name and address of their "client" or "picker." As seen in Figure 1, the fraudster looks for a client to order their fraudulent check. This fraudster uses the words “client” and “picker” interchangeably. It's a cunning strategy used to get past bank security checks by making the transaction appear authentic.
Figure 3: Steps 7-8 involve adding the “Entire bottom row of numbers.” The fraudster also claims that the "trick" is to add the client's name and address to avoid being detected by banks.
With the click of a button, the order is finalized, and the checkbook is set to be delivered to the drop's doorstep. The drop is interpreted as the person that receives the fraudulent funds. It is also used interchangeably with “client” and “picker.” In step twelve, the plan completes a full circle when the drop enters the bank and deposits the check without raising any red flags.
Figure 4: Steps 9-12 explain the checkout process from walmartchecks[.]com.
Figure 5: Shows the checks’ successful delivery to the client with their name and address printed on it. Fraudster states that this will help the client deposit money without identity verification in banks.
It's a disturbing revelation, shedding light on the vulnerabilities of online check ordering systems and the lengths to which fraudsters will go to exploit them. This deceptive practice poses a significant threat to financial institutions and individuals. Banks are left vulnerable to losses resulting from fraudulent transactions, while innocent individuals may unknowingly become victims to illegal activities. The proliferation of these types of schemes jeopardizes the integrity of the banking system and damages confidence in online check ordering services.
It's not just about preventing fraud—increasing awareness regarding the dangers of online check ordering fraud can help preserve the trust and integrity of our financial system and protect customers. This challenge must be addressed to ensure that the digital age remains a safe and secure environment for all.
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