Understanding Check Kiting: A Classic Bank Fraud Scheme

Understanding Check Kiting: A Classic Bank Fraud Scheme

Check kiting is a fraudulent banking practice that exploits the time delay between when a check is deposited and when it clears at the bank. This type of bank fraud involves writing checks from an account with insufficient funds and covering the shortfall by depositing checks from another underfunded account. The fraudster continues this cycle, essentially "floating" money that doesn't exist. Eventually, the scheme collapses, leaving banks or businesses with significant financial losses.

How Does Check Kiting Work?

Check kiting typically involves two or more bank accounts held by the same individual or business. Here's a simple breakdown of how it works:

1. The fraudster opens Account A at Bank A.
2. A second account, Account B, is opened at Bank B.
3. The individual writes a check from Account A and deposits it into Account B, despite Account A not having sufficient funds.
4. Before Bank B realizes that Account A lacks funds, the individual withdraws money from Account B.
5. To cover the shortfall in Account A, another check is written from Account B, and the cycle repeats.

This scheme manipulates the time lag between when a check is deposited and when the issuing bank verifies available funds. By repeating the process, the fraudster creates the illusion of liquidity across multiple accounts.

However, check kiting is inherently unstable and risky. It depends on precise timing and constant deposits. Eventually, the kiter runs out of time or funds, or the bank detects the scheme, leading to serious financial and legal repercussions.

The cycle is shown in the diagram below.

Why Check Kiting Appeals to Fraudsters

For individuals or businesses facing cash flow issues, check kiting may seem like a quick fix. By creating the appearance of funds, fraudsters can make payments or withdraw money they don’t actually have. In some cases, check kiting is used to artificially inflate a business’s bank balance, giving a false impression of financial stability.

Key Red Flags for Detecting Check Kiting

To protect themselves, banks and businesses should be vigilant about the warning signs of check kiting, which include:

• Frequent Deposits and Withdrawals: Repeated deposits followed by immediate withdrawals suggest an attempt to maintain an illusion of available funds.
• Multiple Bank Accounts: Using several accounts across different banks is a common tactic in kiting schemes, allowing fraudsters to shuffle money between institutions.
• Abnormal Account Balances: Sharp fluctuations in account balances, especially high balances that drop rapidly, may indicate fraudulent activity.
• Checks from Distant Banks: Fraudsters often use checks from out-of-state or faraway banks to extend the time it takes for checks to clear, giving them more room to manipulate the system.

How Banks and Businesses Can Prevent Check Kiting

To combat check kiting, banks and businesses can take several proactive steps:

• Monitor Unusual Account Activity: Watch for irregular deposit and withdrawal patterns, especially across multiple accounts or institutions.
• Implement Holds on Large Deposits: Placing a hold on large deposits, especially if they involve checks from other banks, can give institutions time to verify fund availability.
• Use Real-Time Account Verification: Advances in banking technology allow for real-time account balance verification, which can help reduce the window of opportunity for kiting fraud.

Protect Your Financial Institution from Check Fraud

At Finovifi, we provide innovative fraud prevention solutions FraudSentry and FraudXchange designed to help banks and credit unions detect and stop check fraud before it causes significant damage. Our tools monitor account activity in real time, ensuring your institution is protected from various type of fraud.

If you're interested in learning more about how our solutions can safeguard your business, contact us today or explore our range of fraud detection services.