BruinBones
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2021
- Messages
- 61
I may never write a check again
I am resurrecting this thread because my mother-in-law was just victimized by check washing. She wrote a check to pay her utility bill and dropped the envelope IN THE MAIL SLOT INSIDE THE POST OFFICE. Someone obtained her check, washed it, and re-wrote it paid to "cash" for $3000.
Apparently, if you’re a victim of check washing, you are not liable for the withdrawn funds. You should report it to your bank as soon as possible, within 30 days of discovering it or receiving your bank statement. The banks must investigate reported fraud and sort out which institution is liable for the loss, but due to the high volume of cases, it may take time to refund your money. According to the American Bankers Association, you may request a “provisional credit” while you wait.
I've heard that Sharpie Gel Pens are the hardest to wash off.
Is the USPS really suggesting people not mail checks? I’m skeptical. There are many recent news reports, but no actual quotes that are attributed to USPS.
I still write checks, however, drop them off either at the main post office (inside, not the blue boxes outside) or the local UPS store where our main mail comes.
I am resurrecting this thread because my mother-in-law was just victimized by check washing. She wrote a check to pay her utility bill and dropped the envelope IN THE MAIL SLOT INSIDE THE POST OFFICE. Someone obtained her check, washed it, and re-wrote it paid to "cash" for $3000.
Apparently, if you’re a victim of check washing, you are not liable for the withdrawn funds. You should report it to your bank as soon as possible, within 30 days of discovering it or receiving your bank statement. The banks must investigate reported fraud and sort out which institution is liable for the loss, but due to the high volume of cases, it may take time to refund your money. According to the American Bankers Association, you may request a “provisional credit” while you wait.
I've heard that Sharpie Gel Pens are the hardest to wash off.
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