Depositors must now include the phrase “For Mobile Deposit Only” underneath their signature on all checks deposited using mobile apps. Some banks are also suggesting you add "For Mobile Deposit Only at (Bank Name)" or "For (BANK NAME) Mobile Deposit Only."
This new endorsement requirement, instituted by the Federal Reserve, officially went into effect July 1. It applies to all mobile deposits at all financial institutions, such as PNC Bank, Capitol One and Legend Bank in Texas.
The change is meant to protect banks from fraud, which can occur when a check is accidentally, or intentionally, presented at a bank after it's already been deposited via mobile.
Without the inclusion of the new phrase, banks say the check will be returned with the notification that your “deposit was rejected due to restrictive endorsement."
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