Mailing a check used to feel routine and secure. Today, that simple act carries unexpected risk as criminals deploy increasingly sophisticated methods to steal your money—including a scheme known as “check
washing.”
What Is Check Washing?
Check washing occurs when thieves steal checks from mailboxes, then use chemicals to erase the payee name and amount. They rewrite the check to themselves, often dramatically increasing the sum. Your $100 utility payment could become a $10,000 theft.
Recent arrests in Palm Beach highlight how prevalent this has become. One resident’s $40,000 property tax check was altered and cashed. Another incident saw thieves steal nearly $10,000 from a local private club. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported a 139% increase in mail theft during 2023.
How to Protect Yourself
If you still write checks, take these precautions:
- Use gel pens or security ink. Standard ballpoint ink is easily removed by chemicals. Gel pens create a bond that’s much harder to wash away.
- Never leave outgoing mail in your mailbox. Drop checks directly at the post office rather than raising your mailbox flag for pickup.
- Monitor your accounts frequently. Check bank statements weekly, not monthly. The sooner you catch fraud, the better your recovery chances.
- Consider electronic payments. Online bill pay through your bank or payment apps eliminate the physical check entirely, removing the vulnerability of mail theft.
- Shred financial documents. Thieves also dumpster dive for account information. Use a cross-cut shredder for any documents with financial details.
What If You’re a Victim?
If you discover a check has been washed, act immediately. Contact your bank to report the fraud and freeze your account if necessary. File a police report and report the crime to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov. Document everything, including copies of the fraudulent check if available.
Banks typically have strict timeframes for reporting fraud—often 30 to 60 days. Missing these deadlines could leave you liable for losses.
Stay Vigilant
Scammers are constantly adapting, but staying alert and taking simple precautions can significantly reduce your exposure. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts—and when in doubt, contact your bank or our office for guidance.
Your financial safety matters to us. At Murray Guari Perry, we want all our clients, colleagues, and friends to stay informed, protected, and one step ahead of those looking to take advantage.
