What is check washing and how does it work?
Check washing happens when scammers obtain checks from damaged or unlocked mailboxes and use certain chemicals to wash the pen inscription off, allowing them to re-write the amount and payee. Once the check is washed it can also be copied and used again and again. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your checks and make sure they end up in the right hands:
How to Prevent Check Washing:
1. Use “indelible” or non-washable gel ink pens
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Bluestem’s new branded pens are anti-check washing indelible pens. Feel free to ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀stop by the office and pick up a few for your checkbook.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Avoid using typical ballpoint pens, because they can be washed using acetone, ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀bleach and rubbing alcohol.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Also, write your characters close together so that scammers cannot try to add in ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀extra letters or numbers in the event that they cannot wash off the ink.
2. Safe ways to mail a check:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Avoid using your personal mailbox when sending out checks. It is better to mail ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀checks directly from the USPS Office because residential mailboxes are often ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀unlocked, making them an easy target for scammers.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ When mailing, use security envelopes, which are specifically made with cross ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀hatched patterns to make it harder to identify the text when held up to a light.
3. Utilize online banking
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Online banking offers up-to-date transaction history, so you can track the amount ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀leaving your account when you send off a check.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Pay bills directly online to prevent using physical checks if possible.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Ask your bank if they offer Positive Pay, which is an added feature that matches ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀checks based on the dollar amount, check number and payee name you provide.
4. Shred your old or unused checks
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Make sure to shred any checks that you receive once they have been deposited ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀rather than throwing them away.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀○ Keep track of your checkbook, and try to pick new books up in person rather than ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀having them mailed to your home, since scammers also look for blank checkbooks.
By following these simple steps, you can prevent falling victim to check washing scammers. Next time you stop by the office ask about our anti-check washing pens! We have plenty to share.