The Check Washing Scam That’s Hiding in Your Mailbox
For Post: September 18, 2026
Why Old-School Fraud Is Making a Comeback
In a world of mobile banking and digital wallets, you might assume check fraud is a thing of the past.
Unfortunately, it’s not.
As autumn arrives and payments for school activities, community events, and seasonal services increase, criminals continue targeting mailboxes and mailed checks.
How Check Washing Works
Check washing occurs when criminals steal a check and chemically remove the ink used for key information.
They may alter:
- The payee name
- The dollar amount
- Account information
A check written for $50 could suddenly become $5,000.
Protecting Yourself
Fortunately, a few simple habits can reduce your risk:
- Use black gel ink when writing checks
- Avoid leaving outgoing mail in residential mailboxes overnight
- Take mail directly to the Post Office when possible
- Monitor your accounts regularly
- Set up account alerts
Central Oregon Considerations
Many Central Oregon residents still use checks for property services, local contractors, charitable contributions, and community organizations.
Scammers know this and often target mailbox clusters and unsecured mail receptacles.
Pause. Verify. Reach Out.
If you notice a check appears altered or missing:
Pause: Don’t assume it will resolve itself.
Verify: Review your transaction history immediately.
Reach Out: Contact Mid Oregon Credit Union as soon as possible so we can help investigate potential fraud.
Staying aware of traditional scams is just as important as protecting yourself online.
For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: midoregon.com.
