What this tool is
The Returned Check Search database is a free reference tool for money services businesses. It surfaces patterns of returned-check activity at the bank-account level (last four digits of routing and account numbers) so operators can make informed decisions before cashing a check.
It is not a credit determination, not a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and not a guarantee that any check will or will not clear. A search result is informational. The cashier's judgment is the final word.
Where the data comes from
Records in the database come from two sources:
- Processor data. Bulk return-file exports contributed by money services businesses through their bank or payment processor (ReliaFund and others). These records are tagged processor and reflect bank-validated return events.
- Community submissions. Individual reports from MSB operators who experienced a returned check firsthand. These records are tagged community, are reviewed by MSB Solutions before publication, and surface in search results alongside the count of processor records on the same account so users can calibrate confidence.
Contributor obligations
If you contribute data to the database:
- The records you submit must be factual — return events you witnessed firsthand or that appear in a contributing processor's return file.
- You must include accurate routing and account fragments and a truthful return reason.
- False or malicious reports may be removed, and repeat offenders blocked from contributing.
- You may revise your own submissions through the dispute process below.
Dispute process
If you believe a record is inaccurate, you can file a dispute. We review every dispute and document the outcome — every time.
- File a dispute through the dispute form. You may be the payer, a contributor, or any third party with a stake in the record.
- A reviewer examines the dispute against the underlying contributing source. While the dispute is pending, search results for the account carry an "Under review" badge.
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The outcome is documented, one of:
- Upheld — no change. The record is consistent with the contributing source and remains in search results.
- Corrected. The record is edited to reflect accurate information.
- Removed. Records on the account are soft-removed from search results (retained in the database for audit purposes).
- You receive an email with the outcome at the address you provided.
The default outcome may be "no change" if the record is supported by the contributing source — but the review itself is always provided, and the documented response is the protection that defines responsible operation of this tool.
What we collect
For searchers: we do not require an account. We log the routing/account combination searched, your IP address, your browser's user agent, and the response time, for analytics and abuse mitigation.
For contributors and dispute filers: we collect your email address and optionally your name or business. Your email is never displayed to anyone searching the database.
For account holders mentioned in records: the database identifies bank accounts by the last four digits of routing and account numbers only. Payer business and individual names (where collected) are visible to searchers.
Limitations
This tool reflects only the data that has been contributed. An empty search result does not guarantee a check is valid or will clear; always apply your normal verification procedures. A non-empty result is informational and not a recommendation to refuse the check — that decision is the cashier's.
Questions
Questions about the tool, your data, or a specific record? Email info@msbhelp.com.