Check washing is soaring because criminals who stole government stimulus checks and unemployment checks during the pandemic are now looking for new sources of income.
What is Check washing?
Check washing is a deceptive and illegal practice where criminals alter the details on a check to steal money.
How Does it Work?
Thieves steal checks left in mailboxes or remove mail deposited in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes. They use chemicals or solvents to remove the ink from the check, leaving only the signature. Once the check is dry, they rewrite it for a higher amount and then deposit or cash it. Thieves aren’t picky. They check wash both individual and business checks.
How Can I Protect Myself/My Company?
- Pay your bills online through your bank using the bank’s bill pay app.
- Please look over your withdrawals and deposits regularly.
- Take any mail containing checks or sensitive personal information directly into the post office for mailing.
- If you must use checks, consider using security checks. They have advanced security features like watermarks, holograms, and tamper-evident ink. These features make it difficult for criminals to alter checks.
- If you are handwriting a check, only use a gel pen. Regular ballpoint pens do not permeate the paper like gel pens do.
- Shred your old and unused checks.