A certified bank check is a personal or business check stamped by the bank as "certified," signifying that the signature is real and that the money is guaranteed. Certified bank checks can be fraudulent. The Digital Credit Union website warns that certified bank check scams target people on the Internet. Use precautionary measures before accepting a certified bank check
Do not accept a certified bank check from someone who you are not meeting in person. Make sure your buyer is local and you meet him face-to-face. Scam artists will talk to you on the phone and converse over email to convince you that the sale is valid, warns the Digital Credit Union website.
Plan to meet with the buyer in person during a time when you can call the bank that issued the check, or meet at the bank to confirm the check's validity. Tell the buyer you cannot accept her check without validating it.
Find the bank's address and phone number once you have the check--do not use the phone number listed on the check. Go online to input the bank's name and address to search for location or phone number information. If calling a telephone information service, give the name of the bank and location; if no bank location is listed on the check, ask for a national number.
Call the bank that issued the check, or stop in if possible. Let a bank representative know that you've received a certified bank check and want to validate it before proceeding with a sale. Give the representative any numbers or information listed on the check that she requests.
Have a copy of the certified bank check sent to you via fax or scanned email if there is no way to arrive to the bank during business hours. Handle a copy of a check the same way as you would a physical check. Look up bank information and validate.
Consider an electronic check guarantee service if you have a business that deals with checks frequently. Talk with other businesses to find a product with a good reputation or look online.
Sign up for and use your check guarantee service at any time of the day. Run checks through an electronic device supplied by the company to guarantee you're accepting valid checks. This will save you time and money for future car sales.
