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Check washing
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Check washing is the process of erasing details from checks to allow them to be rewritten, usually for criminal purposes such as fraudulent withdrawal from the victim's bank account.[1]
Various steps can be taken by the writer of the check to reduce the possibility of falling victim to check washing. These include mailing checks by placing them in secured mailboxes, using secure ink dispensed from a gel, rollerball, or fountain pen, filling in all lines on the check, and careful scrutiny of bank statements.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Check Washing Fraud - What is it & How to Avoid It? | USPIS". United States Postal Inspection Service. Retrieved 2022-11-06.
Check washing
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Check washing is a form of check fraud in which criminals steal legitimate checks, typically from the mail, and use chemicals to erase the ink detailing the payee's name and monetary amount while preserving the signature, enabling them to rewrite and fraudulently deposit the checks for their own gain.[1] This method exploits the vulnerabilities of paper-based payments, allowing thieves to convert small personal checks into larger sums or redirect them to accomplices.[2]
The process begins with mail theft, often targeting unsecured mailboxes or U.S. Postal Service collection boxes, where fraudsters intercept outgoing checks in bulk.[3] Common household chemicals such as acetone, brake fluid, or nail polish remover are then applied to dissolve the ink without damaging the paper or signature, after which the altered check is endorsed and deposited via mobile apps or ATMs.[4] Once processed, the original account holder may discover the fraud only after the funds are withdrawn, leading to potential losses that banks may reimburse under federal regulations like Regulation E, though recovery is not guaranteed.[5]
Though an antiquated technique that declined with the rise of digital banking in the early 2000s, check washing has surged in recent years amid increased mail theft and persistent check usage by businesses and individuals.[6] Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) related to check fraud, including washing, peaked at approximately 680,000 in 2022—nearly double the 2021 figure—and remained high at around 682,000 in 2024, with losses reaching approximately $21 billion in 2023 and exceeding $24 billion in 2024; 63% of organizations reported incidents in 2024.[7][8][9] Check fraud accounted for 30% of financial institutions' total fraud losses in 2024.[10] Financial institutions cite check washing as a primary fraud driver, affecting 83% of surveyed banks and credit unions in 2024.[11]
To mitigate risks, transitioning to electronic payments such as ACH transfers or online bill pay eliminates the physical vulnerabilities of checks entirely.[12]
