A certified check is a check for which payment is guaranteed by the issuing bank. A certified check shows sufficient funds in the account to meet the amount for which the check was drawn.
Although not totally foolproof against scammers, certified check fraud is a real thing. Scammers can create fake-looking certified checks that look incredibly authentic and legitimate. If a customer deposits a fake certified check, the bank will reverse the deposit as soon as the fraud is uncovered. If there are insufficient funds, the customer will be responsible for paying back the deficiency. The only recourse for the customer would be against the person or company that issued the fraudulent check.
