Check Fraud and Check Washing: How to Stay Safe

Checks may seem old-school, but millions of Americans still use them each month to pay rent, utilities, credit card bills, and home service providers.

Criminals see checks differently. Checks moving through the mail give thieves access to both your money and your account information, fueling a fraud problem that now costs Americans more than $1 billion each year, much of it tied to stolen or altered checks.

Why Checks Are Being Targeted

Many cases begin with stolen mail. Criminals steal outgoing checks and use chemicals to remove ink so they can rewrite them, a process known as check washing.

A $50 check can become a check for thousands before you realize it’s gone.

And alteration isn’t the only risk. Checks also include your routing number, account number and signature, which criminals use to create counterfeit checks or attempt unauthorized withdrawals.

Once fraudulent checks clear, recovering funds becomes more difficult if the fraud isn’t reported quickly.

The good news? You can lower your risk with a few smart habits.

Use Digital Payments Whenever Possible

Many businesses now accept electronic payments, reducing the risk of payment theft in transit. You can also use Frontwave’s free online Bill Pay to send payments securely without mailing a check.

Digital payments are easier to track and often include alerts that help you catch suspicious activity faster.

Be Careful When Mailing Checks

Mail theft often happens when mail sits unattended. If you send or receive checks by mail, handle mail carefully:

•     Drop mail inside a post office lobby instead of using blue street collection boxes
•    Mail close to pick up time so checks aren’t left overnight
•    Avoid leaving outgoing mail in your home mailbox with the flag up
•    Skip community mailbox outgoing slots since they’re monitored less and mail sits longer
•    Bring incoming mail inside promptly
•    Consider USPS Informed Delivery tracking for incoming mail and spot missing items sooner

If you travel, place a temporary hold on mail delivery or ask a trusted neighbor to collect it.

Write and Monitor Checks Carefully

Most stolen checks are altered, and many people don’t notice fraud for weeks after it happens. These habits help prevent check fraud and catch problems sooner:

•     Use black gel ink, which is harder to remove
•    Fill in all lines and draw through unused spaces
•    Write amounts and payee names tightly so nothing can be added later
•    Shred old checks, deposit slips and bank documents before discarding them
•    Review cleared check images in online banking to confirm payees and amounts match
•    Follow up if a check hasn’t cleared when expected
•    Set up account alerts to spot unusual activity quickly
•    Report suspicious transactions immediately

What To Do If You’re a Victim of Check Fraud or Mail Theft

If you believe you’ve been targeted, act quickly:

Step 1: Contact your financial institution

Report fraud immediately to stop payments and secure accounts.

Step 2: File a police report if advised

An official report supports investigations and fraud claims.

Step 3: Protect your identity

Change passwords, monitor accounts and consider identity monitoring if personal information may have been exposed. Members with Elite or Elite Plus Checking already have identity protection and monitoring included, so be sure those services are activated.

Step 4: Report mail theft to USPS

File a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service online to help investigators track theft activity.

Step 5: Report Fraud to the FBI and FTC

Reports filed with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) or the Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) help law enforcement investigate and stop fraud and scams.

Reporting fraud quickly gives investigators the best chance to stop further losses and recover funds.

How Frontwave Helps Members

Fraud feels stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. When Members report suspicious activity, Frontwave teams: Investigate questionable transactions Stop or block fraudulent checks when possible Help recover eligible funds Secure accounts to prevent further activity Guide Members through next steps and monitoring Resolving fraud takes time, but our teams work to protect your account and help you get back to normal as quickly as possible.

The Bottom Line

Checks still serve a purpose but require more awareness today. Small changes in how you send, write, and review checks can help prevent fraud, and acting quickly gives you the best chance for a better outcome.