The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a rise in fraudulent activity known as check washing.
In a notice issued this week, the Sheriff’s office defined check washing as a type of fraud in which criminals steal legitimate checks and use chemicals to remove the original ink. The altered checks are then rewritten to a different payee, allowing funds to be redirected.
Authorities say thieves frequently target checks left in residential mailboxes. Once obtained, the checks are modified and fraudulently deposited or cashed, often resulting in substantial financial losses for victims.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and watch for signs that a check may have been altered. Potential red flags include faded or discolored sections, mismatched handwriting, or irregularities in the check’s security features, such as watermarks.
