Stop Mailing Checks. You’re Making Criminals Rich.

Check fraud isn’t a thing of the past. It’s rapidly growing, and criminals are making millions by stealing checks straight from mailboxes, washing them with chemicals, and cashing them for far more than the original amount. If you’re still mailing paper checks, you’re exposed to one of the most preventable fraud schemes in America.

In Episode 2 of Click, Oops, Gone, Locality Bank co-founder and COO/CTO Corey LeBlanc breaks down exactly how check fraud works and the steps every person/business should take to avoid becoming the next target.

Why Check Fraud Is Surging Again

Criminals target checks because they contain everything they need: your bank name, your address, your account number, and your signature. Once stolen, checks can be chemically washed so thieves can rewrite the amount and payee, often turning a legitimate $500 payment into a fraudulent $5,000 withdrawal.

The method is old. The scale is new. Reports of check fraud have more than doubled in recent years, driven by organized groups that harvest mail at scale.

How Check Fraud Typically Happens

1. Mailbox theft: Checks placed in personal and/or public mailboxes are easy to steal.
2. Check washing: Criminals chemically remove ink and rewrite details.
3. Rapid cash-out: Fraudulent checks get deposited before you notice anything is wrong.
4. Account compromise: Stolen account information gets used for further unauthorized withdrawals.

Five Ways to Protect Yourself

1. Stop using public mailboxes! Dropping checks in a mailbox isn’t safe. Outgoing mail is one of the easiest targets for thieves.
2. Use a gel-ink pen. Gel ink penetrates check fibers, making washing far harder.
3. Monitor your accounts, daily. Early detection increases the chance your bank can reverse fraudulent withdrawals.
4. Turn on Check Positive Pay. Positive Pay verifies each check before it clears, catching altered checks immediately.
5. Go digital: ACH, bill pay, wires. Digital payments offer stronger protections and far less fraud exposure.

Bottom Line

Check fraud isn’t going away; in fact, it’s getting worse. But with a few proactive changes, you can shut down one of the most common ways criminals steal.

As Corey reminds viewers: “We’re here to help. We’re not here to judge you. But we depend on you to stay safe, stay smart, and keep criminals away from your hard-earned money.”

Need help securing your payment process?

Talk to our team for personalized guidance, safe payment tools, and digital banking that puts your security first.

If and when you need our help, give us a call at 954-799-0900.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Locality Bank makes no warranty, express or implied, nor assumes any legal liability or any responsibility for the accuracy, correctness, completeness, or any actions taken based on the information provided. Loan programs, terms, and requirements are subject to change. Deposit accounts are subject to account opening requirements. Always consult a qualified professional for specific guidance related to your situation.