Despite the overall value of Unauthorised Cheque Fraud losses falling by -25% in 2023, the number of cases rose by almost a quarter (+24%) in parallel, indicating that criminals still view it a highly lucrative crime.

Jo Toolan, Managing Director, Client Services at PayPoint, said: “Despite a fall in the overall value of Unauthorised Cheque Fraud last year, volumes of individuals fraud cases continued to rise at a worrying rate. These merciless crimes often effect some of the most vulnerable in our society and the efforts of the private and public sector to curtail them must continue.

“At PayPoint we offer the Open Payments* service that reduces the reliance on paper cheques. It is an easy, fast and secure means for customers to receive their payment directly into their current account. Additionally, it’s more convenient than cashing the cheque and removes the ability for a fraudster to do so on their behalf.”

PayPoint’s Open Payments service is a direct to bank digital alternative to making payments by cheques. Requiring only the recipient’s name and mobile phone number, using the latest Open Banking technology the payments can be made directly into a recipients bank account. These payments do not require the payer to hold any customers’ bank account details, whilst at the same time removing the need to issue paper cheques.

For added security the service performs a Confirmation of Payee (CoP) check requiring the recipient’s name to match that on the name on the bank account holder before the payment is transferred. Through the portal, clients can issue, cancel or reissue payments instantly whilst being able to track payments and download reports.

*The Open Payments service is provided by PayPoint Payment Services Limited (“PPSL”). PPSL (FRN 608277) is an authorised payment institution, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.