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    5 min read 6 stepsMay 4, 2026Verified May 2026

    Check Fraud and Mail Theft: How to Protect Your Paper Checks

    Check fraud and mail theft targeting seniors have risen sharply. Here is what check washing is, how to recognize it, and exactly how to protect yourself.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Safety & Privacy
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    5 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    check-fraud
    mail-theft
    check-washing
    seniors
    scam
    bank
    safety
    ftc

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Use a gel ink pen for all checks you write
    2. 2.Never leave outgoing mail in your home mailbox
    3. 3.Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery
    4. 4.Switch to electronic payments when possible
    5. 5.Check your bank statements frequently
    6. 6.Consider a locking mailbox
    1

    Use a gel ink pen for all checks you write

    ~29s
    Gel ink (like the Uni-ball Signo 207 pen, available at any office supply store for about $2) penetrates the paper fibers and is extremely difficult to wash out chemically. Regular ballpoint ink sits on top of the paper and is much easier to remove. Switching to a gel ink pen is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent check washing.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Look for pens labeled "gel ink" or "fraud prevention." The Uni-ball 207 specifically markets its fraud-resistant properties on the packaging.

    2

    Never leave outgoing mail in your home mailbox

    ~33s
    Do not leave checks or bill payments in your home mailbox with the flag up. Thieves drive through neighborhoods specifically looking for raised mailbox flags. Instead, drop outgoing mail directly inside the post office, hand it to your mail carrier, or use a blue USPS collection box — but only before the last pickup time (listed on the box door). Avoid dropping mail in collection boxes on Fridays or before holidays when it may sit longer.

    Warning

    Some neighborhood USPS collection boxes have also been targeted. The Postal Inspection Service recommends dropping important mail directly at the post office counter when possible.

    3

    Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery

    ~31s
    Informed Delivery is a free service from the US Postal Service that emails you photos of your incoming mail each morning before it arrives. You can see exactly what should be in your mailbox that day. If mail is missing, you will know to call your local post office right away. Sign up at informeddelivery.usps.com — you will need to create a free USPS account.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Informed Delivery also shows you outgoing mail scanned at postal facilities. If you mailed a check and it disappears from tracking, that is a red flag worth investigating.

    4

    Switch to electronic payments when possible

    ~33s
    The safest check is one you never write. Most utilities, insurance companies, and subscription services accept automatic bank payments (ACH transfers) that pull money directly from your account on the due date — no paper, no mailbox, no risk of interception. Call the payee and ask about "autopay" or "electronic funds transfer." Many also accept payment by credit card over the phone or online.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: If you are not comfortable with online payments, calling the company and giving them your bank account number for a one-time ACH payment is safe and does not require you to use a website.

    5

    Check your bank statements frequently

    ~24s
    Review your checking account statement or online account at least once a week. Look for any check payments you do not recognize, especially for amounts larger than what you actually wrote. Most banks allow you to report fraudulent check transactions within 30 to 60 days, but the sooner you catch it, the easier it is to resolve. Call the number on the back of your debit card right away if you spot anything suspicious.
    6

    Consider a locking mailbox

    ~24s
    Locking mailboxes accept incoming mail through a slot but require a key to retrieve it. They are available at hardware stores for $50 to $150 and greatly reduce the risk of mail theft. If you are renting, ask your landlord — some apartment buildings can install cluster locking units. The US Postal Service also offers PO Boxes at your local post office starting around $5 to $25 per month for secure incoming mail.

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    Check fraud targeting older Americans has increased sharply in recent years. The Federal Trade Commission and US Postal Inspection Service both rank it among the fastest-growing financial crimes targeting seniors. Understanding how it works — and taking a few simple steps — can protect your bank account.

    What is check washing?

    Check washing is when a thief steals a paper check from your mailbox (or a US Postal Service collection box), uses chemicals to erase the ink in the "Pay to" and amount fields, and then rewrites the check to themselves for a much larger amount. Because the check is real — with your real signature, routing number, and account number — many banks will process it before realizing it is fraudulent.

    A typical scenario: You write a check for $45 to your electrician and drop it in a blue mailbox. A thief takes it, washes the ink, and rewrites it as $4,500 to a fake name. You do not notice until your bank statement arrives weeks later.

    What is mail theft?

    Mail theft is exactly what it sounds like — someone steals mail from your mailbox or from a USPS collection box. Thieves increasingly target neighborhoods known to have older residents. They look for anything that resembles a check, financial statement, or credit card offer.

    Who is at risk?

    Anyone who mails paper checks, receives paper statements, or leaves mail in an unsecured mailbox for extended periods. Seniors are disproportionately targeted because they are more likely to pay bills by check and receive Social Security or pension checks in the mail.

    What to do if it happens to you

    If you discover a fraudulent check was paid from your account, call your bank right away. Banks are required to investigate check fraud claims under federal law. File a report with the US Postal Inspection Service at postalinspectors.uspis.gov, with your local police, and with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Also consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report at annualcreditreport.com.

    (Sources: FTC Consumer Information, consumer.ftc.gov; US Postal Inspection Service, postalinspectors.uspis.gov; AARP Fraud Watch Network, aarp.org/money/scams-fraud)

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    mail-theft
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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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