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About us

We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

Learn how the CFPB can help you

I lost a check written to me. Someone forged my signature on the back of the check and then cashed it. What can I do?

Answer:

Contact your bank or credit union right away to tell them about the situation. Next, tell the person who wrote you the check. 

The person who wrote you the check might be able to be reimbursed by their bank or credit union and write you a new check.

If the check was processed as an electronic transfer, you have additional protections under federal law.

If the check was not processed as an electronic transfer, you may have protections under state law.

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The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. The CFPB updates this information periodically. This information may include links or references to third-party resources or content. We do not endorse the third-party or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. There may be other resources that also serve your needs.