Don’t make it easy for check washing scammers. Financial security is paramount today, and understanding the tools at our disposal can make a significant difference in protecting our assets. One such tool, the gel pen, is a simple yet robust defense against a common form of fraud known as check washing. This blog explains how gel pens differ from regular pens, and how they can help prevent check washing. We’ll also explore what check washing is and who is at risk. Finally, we will also provide tips to avoid check washing scams and fight check fraud.
What is Check Washing?
Check washing is a method of fraud where criminals steal checks from mailboxes, erase the ink using household chemicals, and rewrite them with new payee names and amounts. The altered checks are then cashed, and the original account holder is left to deal with the financial fallout. This type of fraud is particularly concerning because it can happen to anyone who writes checks.
How Gel Pens Differ from Regular Pens
Gel ink pens are writing instruments that use a water-based gel as their ink. Unlike traditional ballpoint pens that use oil-based ink or rollerball pens that use water-based ink, gel pens combine the best qualities of both. The gel ink is thick and opaque and can be produced in a wide range of vibrant colors. This type of ink is known for its smooth writing experience, ability to produce more precise lines, and less likely to smudge once dry. The primary differences between gel pens and regular pens lie in the composition and behavior of the ink:
- Ink Composition: Gel pens use a pigment suspended in a water-based gel, which makes the ink highly pigmented and vivid. In contrast, ballpoint pens use oil-based inks, which are less vibrant and more prone to smudging.
- Drying Time: Gel ink dries relatively quickly, reducing the risk of smudging during writing. Ballpoint and rollerball inks can take longer to dry, increasing the risk of smudging.
- Smoothness and Consistency: Gel pens provide a smoother writing experience with consistent ink flow, making them more comfortable and reliable.
- Durability: Once dried, gel ink is more resistant to water and chemical alteration, making it a more secure option for writing checks.
How Gel Pens Help Prevent Check Washing Scams
Check washing is a fraudulent activity where a thief uses chemicals to remove the ink from a check, allowing them to rewrite the payee and amount. This crime can lead to significant financial losses for individuals and businesses. Here’s how gel pens, particularly those with black ink, stand as a strong barrier against this type of fraud:
- Resistance to Chemicals: The pigment in gel ink bonds more strongly with the fibers of the paper than the dye-based inks in regular pens. This makes it much harder to wash off using chemicals.
- Visibility of Alterations: Any attempt to alter a check written with gel ink is likely to leave visible marks or damage, making it easier to detect tampering.
- Indelibility: Black gel ink, in particular, is often designed to be indelible, meaning it cannot be erased or altered without leaving clear evidence of tampering.
Who is at Risk for Check Washing?
Anyone who writes checks can be a target for check washing, but certain groups are more vulnerable:
- Elderly Individuals: Older adults who are less familiar with digital banking and continue to use checks regularly.
- Businesses: Companies that issue large numbers of checks for payroll, vendor payments, and other expenses.
- General Public: Anyone who mails checks, especially those who use unsecured mailboxes.
6 Tips for Preventing Check Fraud
While using a gel pen is a critical step in protecting against check washing, there are several other measures you can take to safeguard your finances:
1 Use Digital Banking
- Online Banking: Use online banking to pay bills and transfer money securely. Tap to learn more about Benchmark FCU’s digital banking service and bill payer. https://www.benchmarkfcu.org/digital-banking/
- Mobile Banking: Utilize mobile banking apps for transactions, which provide additional layers of security.
2 Secure Your Mail
- Outgoing Mail: Avoid leaving outgoing mail containing checks in unsecured mailboxes. Take them directly inside the post office.
- Incoming Mail: Retrieve mail promptly to reduce the risk of theft.
3 Monitor Your Accounts
- Account Alerts: Set up alerts for any unusual activity in your accounts.
- Regular Checks: Review your bank statements and account activity to spot any unauthorized transactions quickly.
4 Secure Your Checks
- Storage: Keep your checkbook in a secure location that is not easily accessible to others.
- Limited Information: Avoid writing personal information such as your phone number or Social Security number on your checks.
5 Use Special Pens to Deter Check Washing Scams
- Gel Pens: Specifically, use black gel ink pens for writing checks to make it harder for fraudsters to alter them.
6 Sign Up for Informed Delivery by USPS
- Informed Delivery is a free service provided by the US Postal Service that lets you see photos of your incoming mail before it arrives. It also provides status updates about incoming and outgoing packages. It’s an excellent way to track your mail and know if something is missing. You can sign up for Informed Delivery from the USPS easily online. You just need a residential, business, or PO Box address in an eligible Zip code.
Prevent Check Washing Scams with Gel Pens and Vigilance
Don’t make it easy for a scammer to take advantage of you through check fraud. Check washing is a serious threat, but the right precautions can significantly reduce your risk. Using black gel ink pens is a simple yet effective way to protect your checks from tampering. Coupled with other security measures such as digital payments, securing your mail, and monitoring your accounts, you can build a robust defense against check fraud. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take proactive steps to safeguard your financial well-being.
Read the Benchmark FCU Blog weekly to stay updated on the latest scams and for helpful financial tips. Read our blog, “Spotting the Signs: Protecting Yourself from Spoofing.”