Sending a check through the mail may seem like an ordinary task, but it can expose you to an increasingly common form of fraud known as a check washing scam.
Check washing scams are becoming an increasingly common form of financial fraud and understanding how check washing works, and how to prevent it, can help protect your finances and personal information.
What is a Check Washing Scam?
A check washing scam is a common form of check fraud where a criminal steals a paper check before it reaches its intended recipient and uses chemicals to remove the original information written in ink while leaving the paper intact. The scammer then rewrites the check, changing the payee and the amount the check is written for, before depositing or cashing the check.
Since the original check contains your routing number, account number, signature, and other personal information, the consequences can be significant. In addition to financial loss, victims face the time and stress of reporting fraud, recovering stolen funds, and securing their accounts.
How Do Check Washing Scams Happen?
Most check washing scams begin with mail theft. Criminals commonly target:
- Mail left in residential mailboxes
- Public mail collection boxes, often after the last scheduled pick up
- Misdelivered mail that is taken by someone other than the intended recipient
A single stolen check can provide enough information for a scammer to commit fraud.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being exposed to this type of fraud:
- Use a black gel pen, which is more resistant to chemical washing rather than a standard ballpoint pen.
- Mail your checks inside your post office or hand them directly to a post office employee.
- Avoid leaving outgoing mail in your mailbox overnight.
- Use other methods of payments such as electronic payments, online bill pays, or cash whenever possible.
- Keep an eye on your bank account(s) regularly for unauthorized transactions.
- Monitor your mail delivery and report missing or misdirected mail promptly.
If You Become a Victim
If you believe your check has been altered or stolen:
- Contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible.
- Report the fraudulent transaction.
- Request a stop payment if the check has not yet been negotiated.
- Report mail theft or suspected postal fraud to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
- Continue monitoring your accounts for additional fraudulent activity.
Stay Informed and Protected
Whether the scam involves your home, your finances, or your personal information, recognizing the warning signs can help you avoid becoming the next victim.
Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from evolving threats. Taking time to understand common tactics used by scammers can make a meaningful difference in preventing financial loss and emotional stress.
If you think your mail has been stolen or you are the victim of a check washing scam, click here to report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
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