Hawk expands platform with new check fraud defence

November 26, 2025

Hawk has expanded its fraud solutions portfolio with a new AI-powered check fraud prevention tool designed specifically for financial institutions in the US.

The RegTech firm, recognised for its AI-led fraud prevention, AML and screening capabilities, unveiled a solution that aims to help banks and credit unions detect and stop altered, forged or counterfeit cheques before losses occur. The launch reflects a growing need for more advanced defences as criminals increasingly rely on sophisticated technologies to commit fraud.

The product leverages a combination of AI image forensics and consortium intelligence from Mitek, integrated with Hawk’s decisioning and rule-management engine. This combination allows the system to detect subtle tampering and behavioural anomalies that are undetectable to human reviewers. By identifying manipulated cheque images and irregular patterns, the tool adds a significant layer of protection for institutions facing rapidly evolving fraud tactics.

A key focus for Hawk is unifying fraud monitoring across payment types and customer touchpoints. The company’s new check fraud capability extends this strategy, enabling banks and credit unions to track suspicious cheque activity alongside fund movements that may follow clearing.

Hawk VP of product, fraud Hrishi Talwar said, “Rising AI-enabled crime has created new fraud challenges for U.S. banks. This launch is part of our vision to empower financial institutions with an AI-powered platform where visual, behavioral, and transactional data converge to enable truly contextual detection.”

The announcement comes amid growing concern from regulators about the scale of cheque fraud. FinCEN has reported that suspicious cheque activity has more than doubled since 2021, driven by both traditional tactics and new forms of AI-generated manipulation. Hawk’s solution uses explainable AI to flag outlier activity such as abnormal deposit patterns or sudden transfers after funds become available.

Mitek VP of digital banking strategy Kerry Cantley said, “Check fraud has been a threat for decades, but modern technology has evolved how fraudsters operate. Together with Hawk, we’re helping financial institutions modernize their defenses with consortium intelligence, turning a legacy challenge into an opportunity for smarter, more adaptive fraud prevention.”