Read this first. This tool reports public database facts (the Federal Reserve routing directory and the FDIC bank lists). It does not and cannot tell you whether a specific check, money order, or wire is genuine. The only reliable way to verify a specific instrument is to call the issuing bank or money-order company using a phone number you find yourself on their official website — never a number printed on the check or given to you by the person who sent it.
Counterfeit cashier's checks frequently impersonate Wells Fargo — using a real Wells Fargo routing number and logo. Here is how to verify a Wells Fargo check is actually from Wells Fargo.
Look up a routing number
Enter the 9-digit routing number printed at the bottom-left of the check. We'll resolve it to the real bank in the Federal Reserve directory and flag failed/nonexistent banks.
Resolve the routing number (bottom-left of the check) above — confirm it maps to Wells Fargo in the Federal Reserve directory.
Call Wells Fargo using a number from Wells Fargo's official website — search "Wells Fargo customer service". Do not call any number printed on the check.
Ask them to verify the check number and amount.
We are not affiliated with Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo is named here only because counterfeit checks commonly impersonate it.
How fake-check scams work
Real banks make funds available in 1–2 days, but a fake check can take weeks to bounce. By then the scammer is gone — and your bank takes the money back from you.
You're "overpaid" and asked to wire back the difference (overpayment scam).
You're asked to deposit a check and send part via Zelle, gift cards, crypto, or wire — that's the tell.
The check is for a job, prize, rental, mystery-shopper, or online-sale you didn't expect.
There's pressure to act fast before the check "expires".
If any of these match: do not deposit, do not wire anything back, and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.