Greg's Corner

New version of check washing scam emerges

By Greg Collier

In case you’re unfamiliar with check washing, it’s a scam where criminals alter or erase information on a check to gain unauthorized access to funds. The term ‘check washing’ refers to the act of removing or altering the ink from a written check, typically using chemicals such as acetone or other solvents. This allows the fraudster to modify the payee’s name, the amount, or other details on the check.

The altered check can then be used to withdraw money from the victim’s account or make unauthorized purchases. Criminals engaged in check washing often target outgoing mail or checks left in unsecured locations, such as home mailboxes, where they can easily intercept and modify the checks.

Now, according to the FBI, there’s a new check scam where the washing part is done electronically. In a new process called ‘check cooking’ or ‘check baking’, a scammer only needs a digital photograph of a check. From there, the scammer can use software to remove any writing that’s on the check. Then, the scammer can print out as many counterfeit checks as they need. Instead of writing one big check like a scammer would with check washing, they can now write out several small checks to stay under the radar. However, by the time the scam is caught, the victim could still lose thousands of dollars to the scammer.

A scammer would still need to possess a physical copy of one of your checks to commit this scam. To protect yourself from such scams, you may want to consider switching to a different method of payment other than checks. You can always pay your bills through a debit or credit card, or have an automatic payment taken from your bank account.

If there is a situation where you absolutely have to send a physical check, mail the payment from the inside of your local post office. Whatever you do, don’t leave bills in your outgoing mail at home. Scammers have no hesitation about taking the mail out of your mailbox if there is any hint of a check being in there.

Additionally, monitoring bank statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions can help detect and report fraudulent activities promptly.