Sebastian Police Department Warns Residents of Check Washing Scams

Detectives at Sebastian Police Department are investigating several “check washing” cases within the city. They warn residents to be extra cautious when placing checks in residential or commercial mailboxes sent out by the U.S. Postal Service.

Check Washing

Check-washing scams are committed by criminals who snatch victims’ mail and use chemicals to erase the ink. Then, they rewrite the check to themselves for a more significant sum of money and cash it at the bank. 

Every year, in the United States, check washing takes place to the tune of $815 million and is increasing at a frightening rate.

Protect Yourself From Check Washing

1. Retrieve your mail promptly. Make sure you never leave your mail in your mailbox overnight.
2. Deposit your mail at your local Post Office™ or in the blue collection boxes before the last pickup.
3. Use Uni-Ball Gel Pens – They have fraud-resistant, waterproof ink.
4. Pick up new books of checks at your local bank branch rather than having them shipped to your residence.
5. Hold mail at your local post office.

If you are a victim of this type of fraud, please call the Sebastian Police Department at (772)589-5233 to file a police report.