We get it—you’ve been writing checks for years, and nothing about it seems unsafe. But today’s fraudsters are finding new ways to take advantage of an old-school tool.

One of the most common check scams today is called check washing. It happens when someone steals a check you’ve mailed (from your mailbox or a postal box), then uses household chemicals to remove the ink, and rewrites it to themselves for a much larger amount.

It sounds like something from a movie, but it’s happening every day.

The good news? There’s one small change that makes a big impact: Use a black gel pen.

Here’s why it helps:

• Gel ink penetrates the surface of the check.
• It’s more resistant to many solvents used in check washing.
• It’s harder to alter or forge than standard ballpoint ink.

So while it may feel old-fashioned to write checks, this one small habit helps make it safer.

It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your money — and it costs less than five bucks.

Want more ways to protect yourself from fraud?

Visit our Security Center

Have questions? Find your local F&M Bank office or contact us.