Check Fraud

Check Washing

Check washing is when a criminal steals a check and uses chemicals to "wash" the check, allowing them to change the amount of the check and the payee to themselves. They then deposit the check and steal your money.

Ways to Protect Yourself

1. Consider using electronic, mobile, or ACH automatic payment when possible
2. Use pens with indelible black ink so they are harder to wash.
3. Keep an eye on your checks in your online banking account for any alterations.
4. Review your bank statements on a regular basis.
5. Don't leave blank spaces in the payee or amount lines of the checks you write.

If you think you might be a victim of check washing, contact Port Richmond Savings and your local police immediately.

Fake Check Scams

Fake Check Scams take place when a scammer gives you a check with more than the amount owed to you and then asks you to wire the extra funds back to them, or send it through a cash transfer app, money order, gift card, or cryptocurrency. After you've sent the money, you find the check or money order they gave you was not legit, but they've already taken off with the money you sent them. Examples of fake check scams might occur when you are selling something online, and someone offers to buy it from you but "accidently" sends a check for too much.

Red Flags of Fake Check Scams

1. Someone asks you to send them a gift card, money order, cryptocurrency, or wire them money after they've given you a check.
2. A "prize" you've won, but now you have to pay to collect it.
3. A check given to you for more than your selling price. Always have them write you a new check for the correct amount.
4. Any online solicitations for "easy money" or "quick ways to earn cash".

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