As check fraud and mail theft become more common, the U.S. Treasury plans to phase out paper checks for things like tax refunds and Social Security payments.
Instead, most payments will be made to direct deposit, debit and credit cards, and digital wallets — methods that are more secure and save time and money.
Some exceptions will be made, however. According to Kiplinger, special arrangements will be made for those who don't have access to banking services. About 450,000 people receive Social Security payments by check now.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
