If you use paper checks, you need to be aware of the rising scam of check washing. Scammers are using methods of chemically washing key information on checks to steal people’s money. It’s crucial to check your bank accounts, statements, and deposits thoroughly and regularly in order to catch check washing as soon as it happens. Here’s what else you need to know.
What is check washing?
Scammers steal checks – often from mailboxes – and use chemicals to erase the payee name and the amount. They rewrite the check to themselves for a new amount and cash it, draining your account. This scam has been around for decades but is still on the rise to this day.
How to protect yourself:
- Use a gel pen. Gel ink is harder to chemically wash than standard ink. You can even look for pens labeled as “security” or “fraud prevention.”
- Go digital. Pay bills safely through electronic payments instead of mailing paper checks.
- Check your accounts often. Make it a habit to review transactions. If you are a business, you should be checking every day.
- Pay close attention to check images. Review cashed check images for smudges, discoloration or unidentifiable text. Make sure words like “original document” appear on the back of the check.
- Handle mail carefully. Send outgoing mail inside the post office, collect your mail promptly, and place a hold when traveling.
Check washing is just one of many scams out there, but given it’s decades old and continues to rise in popularity, it should be at the top of your list for scams to watch out for. Stay alert, and keep your money safe.
If you see any suspicious activity on your account, notify GCSB immediately.