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What is Check Washing?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

Check washing, a deceptively simple yet alarmingly effective form of financial fraud, involves altering a legitimate check's details to divert funds. According to the National Check Fraud Center, this technique accounts for a significant portion of the estimated $815 million lost annually to check fraud in the United States. 

Criminals exploit the trustworthiness of a genuine signature, often rewriting the payee's name and inflating the amount. While advancements like electronic inks and watermarks offer some protection, the American Bankers Association reports that check fraud still represents a major challenge, with losses averaging $1,546 per fraudulent check. Understanding check washing and its implications is crucial for individuals and businesses to safeguard their finances against such deceptive practices.

Cash washing is a crime that can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Cash washing is a crime that can lead to arrest and prosecution.

The washing process is not especially difficult, although the results can vary widely. In a typical operation, a legitimate check is prepared by placing a protective seal over the signature line. This could be a low adhesive tape or sticker. The check is then held with tongs and placed in a pan that usually contains acetone (nail polish remover), paint thinner, or bleach. The chemical dissolves many types of ink found in standard ballpoint pens. Once the ink from the check has dissolved completely, the check is hung up to air dry. The result, ideally, is a signed blank check, which the con artist can rewrite to suit his or her needs.

Checks altered by washing can be rewritten for large sums of money.
Checks altered by washing can be rewritten for large sums of money.

One popular method of obtaining legitimate checks for check washing is to drive through neighborhoods and secretly inspect outgoing mail left in curbside mailboxes. Payroll checks and bill payments are especially popular targets. Sophisticated con artists have been known to carry portable computers, laminating machines, scanners, and high-end printers in their vehicles that allow them to create false identifications in order to cash batches of washed checks.

Bleach and other chemicals are used to manually wash checks.
Bleach and other chemicals are used to manually wash checks.

The main problem with this type of fraud is creating a truly blank check. The ink contained in a standard blue ballpoint pen is easily removed with acetone, but black ink can be problematic. Experts say gel pens with black ink provide the best protection against check washing, since the gel ink resists chemical stripping and contains pigments that permeate the fibers of the check itself. A washed check cannot be used if it looks altered or bleached out.

A checkbook.
A checkbook.

One way that people can protect themselves against this type of fraud is to switch from blue to black ink when writing checks, and to use a gel pen whenever possible. Additional safety measures include taking bills and other outgoing mail containing checks directly to a post office or public mailbox. A personal mailbox with a lock may also discourage outsiders from stealing the mail, but this type of mailbox may not be usable for outgoing letters. Many experts recommend that people invest in checks containing anti-fraud elements such as electronic inks, hidden watermarks, or microprinted lines that cannot be photocopied or scanned clearly.

FAQ on Check Washing

What is check washing and how does it occur?

Acetone, which is often used in nail polish remover, is sometimes used in check washing.
Acetone, which is often used in nail polish remover, is sometimes used in check washing.

Check washing is a form of fraud where criminals erase the handwritten details on a check, typically using chemicals like acetone, bleach, or alcohol. Once the original information is removed, they can rewrite the payee and amount, effectively redirecting the funds to themselves. This crime exploits the physical nature of checks, turning them into blank slates for fraudsters to manipulate.

How can I tell if a check has been washed?

Check washing removes information from a legitimate check so it can be rewritten.
Check washing removes information from a legitimate check so it can be rewritten.

A washed check often has telltale signs such as discoloration, smudging, or a different texture in the areas where the original ink was removed. The paper may appear thinner or warped due to the chemical treatment. If you notice any inconsistencies or alterations on a check, it's essential to verify its legitimacy before proceeding with any transactions.

What are some effective methods to prevent check washing?

To prevent check washing, use gel pens with ink that bonds to the paper fibers, making it harder to wash off. Avoid leaving mail in an unsecured mailbox, especially outgoing checks. Consider electronic payments when possible, as they don't carry the same risks. Regularly review your bank statements for any discrepancies, and report lost or stolen checks immediately. According to the Federal Trade Commission, monitoring accounts frequently can help detect fraud early.

What should I do if I'm a victim of check washing?

If you fall victim to check washing, report the incident to your bank immediately. They can stop payment on the check and monitor your account for further suspicious activity. Additionally, file a police report and notify the Federal Trade Commission to help them track and combat this type of fraud. It's also wise to contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Are there any recent statistics on the prevalence of check washing?

While specific statistics on check washing can be elusive, the National Check Fraud Center has indicated that check fraud, in general, is a multi-billion dollar problem. The advent of digital banking has not eliminated check fraud; instead, it has evolved with technology. The American Bankers Association reported that in 2019, check fraud accounted for 47% of industry deposit account fraud losses. Vigilance and preventive measures remain crucial in combating check washing and other forms of check fraud.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular SmartCapitalMind contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular SmartCapitalMind contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

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Discussion Comments

anon323406

If you're ever in doubt about the security of a document, you can always go to a local branch of your bank and speak to someone there. If they can't help you, they can get you in touch with someone who does. And if someone gives you a check that you can't cash or deposit for whatever reason, the only thing you can do is go back to the person who wrote it, and have them issue you a new one or give you an alternative form of payment.

anon254840

My boss gave me a check today and I went over my name twice because the pen wasn't working. Now it's bold and the bank said they couldn't take it because I went over it. What can I do?

njmb42

My daughter lost her money orders after they were made out to utility companies. Do money orders have watermarks on them, to prevent washing? --Norma

pollick

Using a chemical solvent such as acetone to remove ink might solve one problem, but it could also create others. You may want to consider using a low adhesive masking tape to cover up the offensive writing temporarily, then remove it after the reunion. If you would like those passages removed completely, you may want to seek out a professional who would use a more appropriate ink solvent and also have the proper tools to protect the rest of the pages.

AnitaA

I have some old yearbooks that I would like to take to a class reunion. The thing that keeps me from taking them is that there as some less than desirable writings in them. Would acetone applied with a Q-Tip or a sponge applicator work to remove these undesirable items?

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    • Cash washing is a crime that can lead to arrest and prosecution.
      By: jinga80
      Cash washing is a crime that can lead to arrest and prosecution.
    • Checks altered by washing can be rewritten for large sums of money.
      By: JohnKwan
      Checks altered by washing can be rewritten for large sums of money.
    • Bleach and other chemicals are used to manually wash checks.
      By: design56
      Bleach and other chemicals are used to manually wash checks.
    • A checkbook.
      A checkbook.
    • Acetone, which is often used in nail polish remover, is sometimes used in check washing.
      By: travis manley
      Acetone, which is often used in nail polish remover, is sometimes used in check washing.
    • Check washing removes information from a legitimate check so it can be rewritten.
      By: Tan Kian Khoon
      Check washing removes information from a legitimate check so it can be rewritten.