CHECKING SCAM: Check Washing
Check washing is a scam where criminals erase details from checks, which allows them to be rewritten for fraudulent withdrawals from the victim’s account.
Example:
You write a check to the electric company for $200 and place the payment in your mailbox. A criminal steals the payment from your mailbox, and uses common chemicals to erase details from the check. The check is then rewritten.
To reduce the possibility of falling victim to check washing, the following steps should be taken:
- Mail checks by placing them in secured mailboxes
- Use secure ink dispensed from a gel, rollerball, or fountain pen
- Fill in all lines on the check
- Always carefully review your account statement
- Use SCCU's FREE secure Bill Payer service to have the credit union send payments on your behalf
Using caution with your private information is the best way you can help prevent being victimized. Visit our Fraud Section page for additional tips to help protect yourself against identity theft.
Please remember that Space Coast Credit Union, the NCUA, CUNA, CUNA Mutual, or any other organization pertaining to credit unions, DOES NOT e-mail, text message, or telephone our members asking for personal information such as complete social security numbers, account numbers, dates of birth, etc.
