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What Is Check Washing?

Just when you thought cybercrime was your biggest financial fraud worry, the most recent money scams trend is decidedly analog. Check fraud reports from banks nearly doubled in 2022 over 2021, according to the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) — and that's after a 23% increase in 2021 over 2020.1

FinCEN also points to the scene of the crime: The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) reported a 161% increase in mail theft complaints.

Check washing is a type of check fraud that originates with stolen mail. Local news stations from New York City to San Diego have recently reported on this old-school scam that seems to be making a comeback.2,3


What Is Check Washing?

Check washing is when a criminal steals a victim's check, often from the mail, and literally washes the writing off — except for the signature line. Then the thief makes the check out for whatever amount they want to whomever they want.

The AARP reported on a Tennessee man who put a $445 check for his insurance company in his mailbox, only to learn from his bank that it was stolen and rewritten for $2,498.4 Not every victim is as lucky as he was, as the check washer attempted to cash the check in person — raising red flags with the bank teller, who refused to pay. Others find out about the fraud after a shocking amount of money is missing from their bank account.


How Does Check Washing Work?

Perhaps the most surprising thing about check washing is how simple it is to pull off. According to FinCEN, criminals steal mail in a variety of ways, from robbing mailboxes (especially clustered units in apartments or subdivisions) to stealing keys to the familiar blue USPS collection boxes. Some fraudsters even use makeshift fishing devices to pull mail out of collection boxes.

Check washers then use chemicals (nail polish remover, for example) to remove the ink. They then write it out to themselves, a name associated with a fake bank account or photo ID, or even in the identity of a "money mule." A money mule is someone who, knowingly or otherwise, receives money from the scam and gives some or all of it back to the primary scammer.

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Check fraud reports from banks nearly doubled in 2022 over 2021, according to the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

If all check washers deposited checks in person, they might be easier to catch. But FinCEN reports that many successfully deposit fraudulent checks in ATMs or through mobile deposits and then quickly withdraw the funds.


How Can You Protect Yourself?

Fortunately, you can protect yourself from the relatively simple scam of check washing with some even simpler safety measures.

1. Use Black Gel Ink on Checks

The Better Business Bureau issued a warning to consumers in late 2022 to use black gel ink on checks, which does not wash off.5 Some pen brands even promote their products as "fraud proof" or "fraud prevention" pens.

2. Avoid Mailing Checks

Paper checks can't be stolen if they don't exist. The AARP says paying bills online is safer than mailing a check, provided you're not on public Wi-Fi. Trustworthy payment sites are encrypted. Experion recommends that you click for the padlock icon on your browser's URL field to be sure there's a valid security certificate.6 Make sure your security software and operating system are up to date.

3. Mail Checks With Caution

When you must mail a check — and occasionally it does happen — the USPIS recommends depositing your mail in a blue collection box right before the final pickup of the day (which should be written on the box) — or inside your local Post Office.7

4. Be Vigilant and Review Check Imaging

It is highly recommended to view the check images after they clear. This can be done digitally by logging into your account online. Check image analysis is a safeguard to prevent fraud. If it looks like the check had been tampered with (and the intended payee was not paid or not as you indicated), contact your bank immediately. However, be aware that any tampering needs to be caught within a certain period of time (some banks issue within 30 days.) After that, the bank may not be liable.

5. Don't Let Your Mail Sit Overnight

USPIS advises people to empty their mailbox every day, as soon after delivery as possible. You can also use a USPS service called Informed Delivery to see a scan of your soon-to-arrive mail, so you know when a check is on the way.8 If you'll be away from home, visit USPS.com to learn how to put a hold on your mail until you return.9

Of course, you should always monitor your bank account closely for all types of financial fraud. If you do find a suspicious check withdrawal that looks like possible check washing, call your bank immediately. While laws vary by state, fraudulent charges reported within 30 days will typically be refunded.10 If the suspicious check was one you mailed, report the incident to USPIS as well.11

For as low-tech as it is, check washing can cause a lot of financial damage if you don't know how to watch for it — or avoid it altogether. But with a little awareness and some simple protection measures, you can keep your checks out of criminals' hands.


Consider Signing Up for Credit Monitoring

Does remembering to regularly scan your credit report sound exhausting? Another option: Choose a service that will do the credit monitoring for you.

For example, as a Synovus Plus, Synovus Inspire, or Synovus Private Wealth customer, you can enroll in complimentary Financial Protection Services services through Carefull. Depending on the level of protection you have, Carefull will monitor your credit reports and notify you any time any changes are made. Carefull will also scan the web to make sure your personal information hasn't been compromised by checking websites, blogs, peer-to-peer networks. Carefull also offers full-service identity restoration if you become a victim of identity theft.

Learn more about how you can achieve peace of mind as a Synovus customer with Carefull.


Important disclosure information

This content is general in nature and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information.

  1. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, "FinCEN Alert on Nationwide Surge in Mail Theft-Related Check Fraud Schemes Targeting the U.S. Mail," published February 27, 2023, accessed June 4, 2023.

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  2. Nina Pineda, "How to foil check washing fraud before it costs you thousands," WABC New York. Published March 17, 2023, accessed June 4, 2023.

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  3. NBC 7 San Diego, "Check Washing, a Decades-Old Scam, Is Rampant," published May 2, 2023, accessed June 4, 2023.

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  4. Sari Harrar, "6 Ways You Can Thwart Check Washers," AARP. Published March 02, 2023, accessed June 4, 2023.

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  5. Jason Knowles and Ann Pistone, "How to protect your bank account from 'check washing': Better Business Bureau," ABC 7 Chicago. Published December 10, 2022, accessed June 4, 2023.

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  6. Mel Jones, "Is Online Bill Pay Safe?" Experian. Published October 28, 2022, accessed June 4, 2023.

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  7. United States Postal Inspection Service, "Check Washing," published September 22, 2022, assessed June 4, 2023.

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  8. USPS.com, "Informed Delivery by USPS," accessed June 4, 2023.

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  9. USPS.com, "USPS Hold Mail® - The Basics," published March 31, 2023, accessed June 4, 2023.

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  10. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, "Help Topics, Frauds & Scams, Forgery," published April 2021, accessed June 4, 2023.

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  11. United States Postal Inspection Service, "Our Investigation Starts with Your Report," accessed June 4, 2023.

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