Fraud Alert – Check Washing

CHECK WASHING: THE OLD-SCHOOL CRIME MAKING A BIG COMEBACK

In an age of digital wallets, biometric logins, and instant payments, you’d think old-fashioned check fraud would fade into history. Instead, check washing—a crime that sounds almost quaint—is surging across the country. Criminals have rediscovered just how easy it can be to steal a check, “wash” it clean, and rewrite it for thousands of dollars. And for everyday people and small businesses, the consequences can be devastating.

Let’s break down what check washing is, why it’s on the rise, and how you can protect yourself.

WHAT IS CHECK WASHING?

Check washing is a form of fraud where criminals steal a physical check and use chemicals—often common household solvents—to erase the ink. Once the original details are removed, they rewrite the check to a new payee and a much larger amount. The bank processes it like any other check, and the victim often doesn’t realize what happened until the money is long gone.

It’s low-tech, fast, and surprisingly effective.

HOW CRIMINALS GET THE CHECKS

You might imagine a sophisticated heist, but most check theft is shockingly simple:

• Mailbox fishing: Criminals pull outgoing mail from residential mailboxes or even use tools to “fish” envelopes out of USPS blue collection boxes.
• Car break-ins: Checks left in vehicles—especially business deposit bags—are easy targets.
• Inside jobs: Occasional thefts happen at workplaces or mailrooms.

• Stolen identity scams: Criminals may combine washed checks with stolen personal info to open new accounts.

Once they have a check, the rest is chemistry.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

You don’t need to stop using checks entirely, but a few habits can dramatically reduce your risk.

1. Avoid mailing checks from home

Never leave mail in your home mailbox overnight; take it directly to a post office, use a secure blue USPS collection box, or use hand-delivery

2. Secure Mail Pickup: 

Promptly remove incoming mail from your mailbox and sign up for informed delivery.

3. Use gel pens

Always write checks with black gel pens (e.g., Uni-ball 207) because the ink absorbs into paper fibers, making it difficult to wash off with household chemicals.

4. Monitor your accounts frequently

Regularly check bank statements to ensure the payee and amount match what you authorized. The sooner you spot fraud, the easier it is to resolve.

5. Consider electronic payments

For recurring bills or rent, digital options are safer and faster. Replace paper checks with online bill pay or direct ACH transfers whenever possible.

6. Keep checks locked up

Treat blank checks like cash.

7. Ask your bank about security features

Some offer high-security checks with anti-wash technology.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE A VICTIM

If you suspect a check has been washed:

• Contact your bank immediately
• File a report with your local police
• Report mail theft to the USPS
• Freeze or monitor your accounts for additional fraud

Acting quickly can make a huge difference.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Check washing may sound like a relic from the past, but it’s a very real, very modern threat. With a few smart precautions, you can stay ahead of the criminals and keep your finances safe. Awareness is your best defense—and now you’re already one step ahead.