Check-Washing Scam: Three Nonprofits Lose Thousands
A Crime That Can Happen to Anyone
Three Broward County nonprofits are currently missing out on tens of thousands of dollars in donations due to a crime called check-washing. This scam involves intercepting checks and altering them to make them payable to the criminal’s account.
The Men of Style Fundraiser
More than $200,000 was raised in the 2023 Men of Style fundraiser, where men from a dozen charities and other nonprofits strut their stuff like runway models in a quest for donations. However, last month, criminals managed to intercept some checks the event organizer tried to mail to three of the charities.
How Check-Washing Works
Stolen checks are dipped into trays containing a solution that erases the ink, then once dried, the checks are made out to whoever the criminal wants. "It doesn’t take a lot of brain matter," said U.S. Postal Inspector Ivan Ramirez. "It’s simple enough where any average consumer can buy these products over the counter and go ahead and clean the check, wash it, dry it and have it ready for their use."
The Crime
The total amount of the fraud is $27,000. The checks were made out to the Art and Culture Center Hollywood, Jack and Jill Center, and the Florida Children’s Theatre. When the event organizer, Michael Goodman, finally saw the cashed checks, he was amazed. "It was the right check number. It was the right signature and I said this is so strange. The only thing different was the name" of the payee.
Prevention and Investigation
To lower the risk of being a victim of check washing, you can always pay bills online, write checks with a gel point pen (their ink doesn’t dissolve as easily as other pens) or use the mail drop box inside a post office. Unfortunately, once victimized, it takes time to recoup the losses, if that’s even possible. The hope is the banks that cashed the altered checks will make good on the payments to the charities.
Conclusion
Check-washing is a crime that can happen to anyone who sends or receives checks in the mail. It’s essential to be aware of this scam and take necessary precautions to prevent it. The investigation is ongoing, and the hope is that the banks will make good on the payments to the charities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I prevent my checks from being intercepted and altered?
A: You can pay bills online, write checks with a gel point pen, or use the mail drop box inside a post office.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my check has been altered?
A: Report the crime to the authorities and contact your bank to investigate.
Q: How long does it take to recoup the losses?
A: It can take up to 90 days for the banks to investigate and make good on the payments.
Q: Can I still use the mail to send and receive checks?
A: Yes, but be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to prevent check-washing.
