Fraud Tips

Check Fraud Alert

Did you know that Check Fraud is the #1 crime in the country right now?

One way fraudsters commit check fraud is with a method called "check washing". Check washing involves a process using common household chemicals to "wash" the ink off of the check so that the criminal can then change the amount of the check and the payee to whatever they'd like.

One way to protect your money from being stolen via check washing is by using a black gel pen when writing your checks. In fact, if you are a customer of Port Richmond Savings, you should have received your very own Port Richmond Savings black gel pen in the mail this past December.

Why do Gel Pens help Prevent against Check Washing?

The pigments used in gel pens make them more resistant to the chemicals used by check washers. The gel also seeps into the check, as opposed to drying on top of the check's surface like ballpoint pens, and is therefore harder to wash off than ballpoint pen ink.

Other Ways to Protect Against Check Fraud

Another way to avoid check fraud is by not using checks! Port Richmond Savings offers Online and Mobile Banking, both with an Online Bill Pay Feature which allows you to pay bills online, hence skipping the need to write checks, use postage, and send them through the mail. Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and Online Bill Pay are all free services to all PRS customers.

If you can't avoid writing checks, keep these tips in mind:

• Use your new black gel pen from Port Richmond Savings!
• Take any mail containing checks directly to the post office and deposit it inside.
• Do not leave mail in your mail box overnight.
• Check your bank account regularly for any charges you did not make.

For more information on check fraud as well as other types of fraud, visit our Fraud Prevention page.