Illinois Woman Becomes Latest Victim In “Check Washing” Scam

I've got to be honest here. As someone who tries to keep up with the latest scams being perpetrated against Illinois residents, I'm aware of dozens of different tricks scammers use to get at your money, identification, and other personal information they can exploit--but I'd never heard of "check washing" until very recently.

My first thought was that it was like money laundering, because of the use of the word "washing." That turns out to be wrong.

According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN), money laundering can be defined like this:

Money laundering involves disguising financial assets so they can be used without detection of the illegal activity that produced them. Through money laundering, the criminal transforms the monetary proceeds derived from criminal activity into funds with an apparently legal source.

So, If Check Washing Isn't Anything Like Money Laundering, What Is It, And Why Should You Worry About It Happening?

Think of it this way. Money laundering is something that you read about or see in movies and TV shows. It's a real thing that really happens, but the chances of an average Illinois resident getting into money laundering are pretty much slim to none.

That's not the case with check washing, which unfortunately anyone with criminal intent can try to attempt. So what is it?

According to IdentityGuard.com, check washing has this definition:

Check washing happens when scammers use special chemicals to remove the ink and alter both the payee and amount on a check. These stolen checks from vandalized mailboxes could also be used to print copies. With a skillful hand and chemicals found in everyday household cleaning products, scammers can redirect your money straight to their own pockets.

Check Washing, Because It Doesn't Take Special Knowledge Or Materials, Is Taking Place All Over The Country, Including Right Here In Illinois

A woman in Palos Park knows that now, and all she was trying to do was pay her bills, according to Patch.com:

The resident told police she mailed the checks on April 28 at the mail drop boxes outside the Palos Park USPS branch at 121st Street and 80th Avenue. On Monday, she discovered that the checks had been washed for a combined total of $53,000. There were no signs of tampering on the mail drop boxes.

Maybe you're wondering the same thing I am: How are you supposed to protect yourself from this happening to you? Here's what the American Bankers Association suggests:

• Use pens with an indelible black ink so it's more difficult to wash your checks
• Don't leave blank spaces in the payee or amount lines
• Don't write personal details (Social Security number, credit card info, driver's license number, or phone number) on your checks
• Use mobile or online banking to access copies of your checks to make sure they haven't been altered
• Consider using e-checks, ACH automatic payments, or other electronic/mobile payments
• Follow up with payees to make sure they got your check

Here's more good information on how to keep check washing from happening to you: