Washington, D.C. (June 16, 2025) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) applauded the prudential banking regulators for announcing a request for information on potential actions to help consumers, businesses, and financial institutions mitigate risk of payments fraud, with a particular focus on check fraud.

“ICBA and the nation’s community banks have strongly advocated for efforts to combat the scourge of check fraud and applaud the agencies’ request for information on this threat,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “With community bankers using their relationship-based banking model to help consumers defend against the rise in check fraud and other scams, ICBA looks forward to working with Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michelle Bowman and others at the regulatory agencies to ensure a more secure payment system for U.S. consumers.”

ICBA has spearheaded and strongly supports numerous efforts to combat check fraud, including by:

• Partnering with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to offer community banks in-branch educational materials to help consumers safeguard their financial assets.
• Applauding the Trump administration for addressing the Treasury Department’s use of paper checks.
• Offering community banker resources on check fraud—including guides and online courses—on the ICBA website.
• Supporting the growth of instant payments options like the FedNow Service, which allow for efficient payments and immediate funds settlement while mitigating risks to the financial system.

ICBA looks forward to continuing the conversation with policymakers on countering the rise in check fraud and supporting a more secure U.S. payment system.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.