Don’t mail that check – check washing on the rise

Old-fashioned paper checks have not gone the way of the dinosaur in 2022, despite the popularity of digital payments. A recent trend across the country is check “washing,” in which thieves intercept mailed checks and erase the payee information and amount.

Once washed, stolen checks can be re-written and deposited to anyone for any amount. How can you protect yourself?

1. Write fewer checks.

2. Avoid outdoor mailboxes. Instead, drop off payments inside a post office or business.

3. Monitor your account for unusual activity daily. Alert your bank immediately if you suspect fraud.

Home Bank, now operating in Houston, is Member FDIC.

– Susan Allardyce, Home Bank