Your mailed check was stolen and “washed” (payee/amount changed): what to do now (and how to prevent it)
The problem (and who it hits)
You mail a check to your landlord, contractor, tax office, or HOA. Days later, the payee says it never arrived—then your bank shows the check cleared, but the payee name and/or amount is different. That’s usually mail-theft-related check fraud, often through check washing (chemically removing ink and rewriting details) or check cooking (digitally altering a check image to create a counterfeit). (uspis.gov)This affects:
- Anyone who still pays by mailed check (including many older adults)
- Small businesses and nonprofits that mail checks in batches
- People receiving checks by mail (refunds/insurance/rebates)
The most important thing to know: speed matters. Criminals count on the time gap between mailing, clearing, and discovery.
Why it’s happening
Federal agencies have warned that check fraud tied to mail theft has increased significantly, with criminals stealing checks from residential mailboxes, blue collection boxes after last pickup, postal facilities, and even through robberies of postal employees. (fbi.gov)Once they have a real check, criminals may alter it with chemicals (washing) or manipulate check images digitally (cooking), then deposit and withdraw funds quickly—helped by the reality that banks must make funds available within required timeframes, sometimes before fraud is detected. (fbi.gov)
Mail theft itself is also fueled by access to “master” mail receptacle keys (Arrow/Modified Arrow Lock keys) used in postal operations; DOJ and USPS have described cases and initiatives responding to the rise in carrier robberies and mail theft. (justice.gov)
What to do immediately (damage control in 60–90 minutes)
1) Call your bank’s fraud department and say: “Altered check / check fraud”
Ask for these actions: 1. Stop payment / return the item (if it’s still in process). If it already posted, request a fraud dispute for an altered check. 2. Get the front-and-back image of the deposited item (your bank can usually provide this in online banking or via fraud support). 3. Ask whether the deposit was mobile deposit or at a teller/ATM (useful for investigators). 4. Ask about placing a debit block or tighter controls if the account is a business account (e.g., Positive Pay, if offered). (fbi.gov)What to document while you’re on the phone:
- Date you mailed the check and where you dropped it
- Check number, amount, intended payee
- Date it cleared and the amount it cleared for
2) Notify the intended payee (so they don’t keep waiting)
Tell them the check was stolen/altered and you are disputing it. Ask how they prefer payment (ACH, bill pay, card, in-person).If this was rent, taxes, or time-sensitive, ask what documentation they need to avoid penalties while the dispute is in progress.
3) Report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
USPIS is the federal law enforcement arm for mail theft and related fraud. File a report and keep the case/confirmation number for your bank. (uspis.gov)Also file a local police report if your bank requests it (some do).
4) Check your other outgoing/expected mail
Criminals often steal multiple pieces. For the next 2–4 weeks:- Review transactions daily
- Watch for other missing checks, replacement cards, or mail you expected
How to prevent it next time (practical changes that work)
Solution A (best): Stop mailing checks when you can
Low-cost alternatives: 1. Bank bill pay (your bank prints and mails, or sends electronically; it can reduce your exposure and gives tracking/records) 2. ACH / e-check for recurring payments 3. Card payment if fees are reasonableFederal guidance specifically recommends considering electronic payments to reduce check fraud exposure. (fbi.gov)
Solution B: If you must mail a check, change how you mail it
Steps: 1. Do not leave outgoing mail in a home mailbox overnight. (uspis.gov) 2. Use the letter slot inside the post office when possible (or drop into a collection box right before pickup, not after). (fbi.gov) 3. For high-dollar payments, use services with tracking and/or signature so you have evidence of the mail’s journey (and tighter chain-of-custody). (Local police departments also recommend this approach in active check-theft waves.) (wral.com)Solution C: Make checks harder to alter
This won’t make you invincible, but it raises the cost for criminals.- Use indelible black ink and fill blank spaces on payee/amount lines. (fbi.gov)
- Avoid putting extra personal info on checks.
- Consider checks with security features (your bank can advise). (fbi.gov)
Solution D (small businesses): Ask your bank about Positive Pay
If you run payroll or vendor payments by check, ask about Positive Pay (you send the bank a file of authorized checks; anything else is flagged/blocked). The FBI specifically notes it as a fraud-reduction control when available. (fbi.gov)Quick checklist
- [ ] Call bank fraud: report altered check, request return/dispute, get check images
- [ ] Notify intended payee; arrange alternate payment method
- [ ] File report with USPIS; save case number
- [ ] File local police report if needed
- [ ] Monitor accounts daily; consider new account number if advised
- [ ] Switch future payments to ACH/bill pay when possible
- [ ] If mailing: drop inside post office / near pickup time, avoid leaving mail overnight
FAQ
1) Will my bank refund me if a stolen check was altered?
Often, banks have procedures for altered/counterfeit checks, but outcomes depend on timing, evidence, and account type. Start by reporting it immediately and providing any documentation your bank requests.2) Is it safer to use a blue USPS collection box?
It can be, but timing matters. Federal guidance warns that mail left in collection boxes after the last pickup is a common target. Drop mail as close as possible to pickup time or use the post office interior slot. (fbi.gov)3) Should I close my checking account?
Ask your bank. If you see repeated fraud attempts or you mailed multiple checks from the same account, the bank may recommend a new account number or additional controls.4) What if the fraudster used mobile deposit?
Your bank can sometimes tell you whether it was mobile deposit and may use that information in the dispute/investigation.5) How do I report “check washing” specifically?
USPIS treats check washing as a known scam pattern tied to mail theft and provides reporting guidance; use their reporting channel and include the check images and mailing details. (uspis.gov)Key Takeaways
- Check fraud tied to mail theft is rising, and criminals may alter checks chemically (washing) or digitally (cooking). (fbi.gov)
- Move fast: call bank fraud, get images, dispute as an altered check, and report to USPIS.
- Prevention is mostly about reducing exposure: electronic payments > safer mailing practices > check-writing hardening.
- Small businesses should ask about controls like Positive Pay. (fbi.gov)
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Summary: Mail-theft-related check fraud involves stolen mailed checks altered via check washing (chemicals remove ink) or check cooking (digital image alteration) and then deposited quickly. Immediate steps: contact bank fraud to dispute an altered check, obtain front/back images, notify intended payee, and report to U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Prevention: use ACH/e-payments, avoid leaving mail overnight, drop outgoing mail inside post office or near pickup time, use indelible black ink and fill blank spaces, and consider bank controls like Positive Pay.Keywords: check washing, check cooking, stolen check, mailed check fraud, USPS mail theft, blue collection box theft, USPIS report, altered check dispute, Positive Pay, ACH bill pay, indelible ink