Check washing means someone physically alters your check, usually changing the payee and the dollar amount. Washed checks are then deposited quickly, often before anyone notices.

HOW TO PREVENT CHECK WASHING:

• Write with black gel ink (indelible/non-erasable). It soaks into the paper and is harder to remove than ballpoint ink.
• Fill every field: full payee name, numbers and words for the amount, draw a line through any blank space, and keep the memo vague (don't share extra details).
• Mail smart: take outgoing checks inside the post office or use a secure indoor slot. If you must use a blue USPS box, drop mail before the day's last pickup, not overnight.
• Reduce mailed checks: use online bill pay or ACH when possible.
• Monitor your account: turn on alerts, review images of cleared checks, and follow up with the payee to confirm receipt.
• Use USPS Informed Delivery to see what's arriving and spot missing pieces quickly.

FOR BUSINESSES:

• Enroll in Positive Pay so checks presented for payment are matched to your issue file; mismatches are flagged before posting.
• Tighten controls: dual approval for issuing checks, lock up check stock, limit who can print/sign, and reconcile daily with image review.
• Use secure check stock (chemically reactive paper, watermarks, microprint) and avoid pre-signed checks.
• Shift routine payments to electronic rails (ACH/wires/virtual cards) to lower exposure.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMETHING LOOKS OFF:

1. Contact Central Bank immediately to place stop payments or close/reopen accounts as needed. (801) 375-1000 or your local office.
2. Report mail-related fraud to the post office and consider reporting to IC3.gov

• Mail fewer checks when possible. Use online bill pay or ACH payments instead.
• If you must mail a check, take it inside the post office. If using a blue USPS box, drop it right before the posted pickup time, not overnight. Pick up your mail promptly, and use USPS Informed Delivery to see what is coming.
• Write checks with black gel ink (indelible/non-erasable). It soaks into the paper and is harder to remove than ballpoint ink.
• Watch your accounts and check images online. Turn on alerts, and confirm large or important checks were received.

EXTRA PROTECTION FOR BUSINESSES:

• Positive Pay: we match checks presented for payment against the file you issue and flag mismatches. This is one of the most effective defenses against altered and counterfeit checks.
• Use secure check stock with features like watermarks and chemically reactive paper.
• Tighten internal controls: dual approval on payments, limit access to check stock, reconcile accounts daily, and route outgoing payments through secure channels.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR ARE A VICTIM:

1. Contact Central Bank right away. We can help stop payment, monitor the account, and open a new account if needed. (801) 375-1000 or your local office.
2. Save evidence. Note check numbers, amounts, dates, and keep copies of statements or images.
3. Report it:
   • US Postal Inspection Service for mail-theft-related check fraud (877) 876-2455
   • Local police for an official report
   • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center if fraud involved the internet or you are unsure. https://www.ic3.gov/
4. Update any automatic payments tied to the affected account, and keep a close eye on new activity.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR ARE A VICTIM:

1. Contact Central Bank right away. We can help stop payment, monitor the account, and open a new account if needed. (801) 375-1000 or your local office.
2. Save evidence. Note check numbers, amounts, dates, and keep copies of statements or images.
3. Report it:
   • US Postal Inspection Service for mail-theft-related check fraud (877) 876-2455
   • Local police for an official report
   • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center if fraud involved the internet or you are unsure. https://www.ic3.gov/
4. Update any automatic payments tied to the affected account, and keep a close eye on new activity.

• Use online bill pay or ACH for routine payments
• When mailing checks, go inside the post office and use security envelopes
• Write checks with indelible black gel ink and complete every line
• Turn on account alerts and review cleared check images weekly.
• Businesses: enroll in Positive Pay, use dual approvals, and reconcile daily.

• Account alerts and online bill pay to reduce mailed checks
• Positive Pay and treasury tools for businesses
• Help with reporting, account recovery, and next steps if something looks wrong

Fraud is clever, but so are you. Learn the red flags, choose safer ways to pay, and report suspicious activity fast.

Learn more here: Practice Safe Checks - American Banker's Association