--- title: Protect Your Finances from Check Washing and Mail Check Fraud description: Protect your finances with tips on preventing check washing and mail check fraud. Learn how to safeguard your accounts from these common scams. image: https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/unseen-studio-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash-1.jpg --- - [News & Insights](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/news-insights/) - [ATM Locations](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/atm-locations/) - [Financial Centers](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/locations/) - [Careers](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/careers/) - [Online & Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [About Us](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/about-liberty-savings/) - [Contact](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/online-banking-consultation) - #### Banking - [Call the Freedomline at 800.436.6300](tel:8004366300) - [Freedomlineivr@Libertysavingsbank.com](mailto:Freedomlineivr@Libertysavingsbank.com) - [Schedule Branch Visit](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/online-banking-consultation) #### Health Savings Accounts - [Call us at 844-424-2265](tel:8444242265) - [hsa@libertysavingsbank.com](mailto:hsa@libertysavingsbank.com) #### Existing Mortgage Loans - [Call us at 866-224-0131](tel:8662240131) - [customerservice@loanadministration.com](mailto:customerservice@loanadministration.com) - [libertysavingsbank.loanadministration.com ](http://ibertysavingsbank.loanadministration.com) - Search - Search [![Liberty Savings Bank](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/Liberty_Savings_Bank_June2019/Images/logo.png)](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/) - Banking - Personal - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/) - [Checking](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/personal-checking-accounts) - [Online/Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [MMDA - Money Market Deposit Account - Personal](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/mmda/) - [Savings Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/savings-accounts/) - [Certificates of Deposit](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/cds-2/) - [Credit Cards](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/credit-cards/) - [Reward Yourself](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/reward-yourself/) - Business - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/) - [Checking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/checking/) - [MMDA – Money Market Deposit Account – Business](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/mmda/) - [Visa Business Check Cards](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/visa-business-check-card-2/) - Nonprofit - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/) - [Nonprofit Checking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/nonprofit-checking/) - [MMDA – Money Market Deposit Account – Nonprofit](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/mmda/) - [Visa Business Check Cards for Nonprofits](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/business-check-card/) - Home Loans - Home Loan Options - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/) - [Apply Now](https://lsbmtg.mymortgage-online.com/?loanapp&siteid=6096984036&workFlowId=61437) - [Buying a Home](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/buying-a-home/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit - HELOC](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/home-equity-line-of-credit_heloc/) - [Refinancing a Home](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/compare-and-save) - [Fixed Rate Mortgage](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/fixed-rate-mortgage/) - [Adjustable Rate Mortgage](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/adjustable-rate-mortgage/) - [Jumbo Loans](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/jumbo-loans/) - [Mortgage Calculators](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/mortgage-calculators/) - [Senior Living](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/senior-living) - First Home Buyers Guide - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/) - [Glossary of Mortgage Terms](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/glossary-of-mortgage-terms/) - [Financing Process](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/financing-process/) - [What is Refinancing?](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/purchasing-or-refinancing/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Mortgage Calculators](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/mortgage-calculators/) - [Home Loan Teams](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loan-officers/) - [Overview](http://libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loan-officers/) - [Bradenton/Wildewood Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/wildewood-mortgage-team) - [Sarasota/Stickney Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/stickney-mortgage-team-1) - [Sarasota/Square South Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/square-south-mortgage-team) - [Lakewood Ranch/Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/lakewood-ranch-florida-mortgage-team) - [Venice/Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/jacaranda-mortgage-team-2) - [1098 Mortgage Interest Statement](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/1098-mortgage-interest-statement/) - [Personal Loans](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/personal-loans-florida) - [Commercial/Business Loans](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/commercial-business-lending) - Support - Getting Started - [About Online and Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [Installing the Mobile Banking App](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/installing-the-mobile-banking-app/) - [Accessing the Online Banking Site](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/accessing-the-online-banking-site/) - [Logging In](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/logging-in-overview/logging-in-for-the-first-time/) - [Logging Out Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/logging-off-overview/logging-off-voluntarily/) - The Homepage - [Using the Menu](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/using-the-menu/) - [Viewing Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/viewing-accounts/) - [Viewing the Sidebar](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/viewing-the-sidebar/) - [Account Information on the Home Page](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/account-information-on-the-home-page/) - [Account Details Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/account-details-overview/) - Online Activity - [Creating Custom Views in the Online Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/creating-custom-views-in-the-activity-center/) - [Sorting Transactions in the Online Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/sorting-transactions-in-the-activity-center/) - [Viewing Transaction Details in the Activity Center Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/viewing-transaction-details-in-the-activity-center-overview/) - [Copying A Transaction](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/approving-transactions/) - [Sending a Message About a Transaction in the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/sending-a-message-about-a-transaction-in-the-activity-center/) - [Printing Transaction Details from the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/printing-transaction-details-from-the-activity-center/) - [Exporting by Transaction Type in the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/exporting-by-transaction-type-in-the-activity-center/) - Personal Banking - [Enrolling for Financial Tools](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/enrolling-in-cpfm/) - [Classic Bill Pay](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/libertycard-onfile-and-instapay) - [Depositing a Check on Your Mobile Device](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/depositing-a-check-on-your-mobile-device/) - [Managing Manual Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/managing-manual-accounts/) - [Financial Tools: Using PFM Widgets](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/using-pfm-widgets/) - Business Banking - [Canceling Pending Transaction](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/business-banking/canceling-pending-transaction/) - [Approving Transactions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/business-banking/approving-transactions/) - [Explainer Videos](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/explainer-videos/) - Banking - Personal - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/) - [Checking](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/personal-checking-accounts) - [Online/Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [MMDA - Money Market Deposit Account - Personal](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/mmda/) - [Savings Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/savings-accounts/) - [Certificates of Deposit](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/cds-2/) - [Credit Cards](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/credit-cards/) - [Reward Yourself](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/personal/reward-yourself/) - Business - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/) - [Checking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/checking/) - [MMDA – Money Market Deposit Account – Business](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/mmda/) - [Visa Business Check Cards](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/business/visa-business-check-card-2/) - Nonprofit - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/) - [Nonprofit Checking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/nonprofit-checking/) - [MMDA – Money Market Deposit Account – Nonprofit](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/mmda/) - [Visa Business Check Cards for Nonprofits](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/banking/nonprofit/business-check-card/) - Home Loans - Home Loan Options - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/) - [Apply Now](https://lsbmtg.mymortgage-online.com/?loanapp&siteid=6096984036&workFlowId=61437) - [Buying a Home](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/buying-a-home/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit - HELOC](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/home-equity-line-of-credit_heloc/) - [Refinancing a Home](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/compare-and-save) - [Fixed Rate Mortgage](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/fixed-rate-mortgage/) - [Adjustable Rate Mortgage](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/adjustable-rate-mortgage/) - [Jumbo Loans](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loans-2/jumbo-loans/) - [Mortgage Calculators](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/mortgage-calculators/) - [Senior Living](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/senior-living) - First Home Buyers Guide - [Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/) - [Glossary of Mortgage Terms](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/glossary-of-mortgage-terms/) - [Financing Process](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/financing-process/) - [What is Refinancing?](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/purchasing-or-refinancing/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Mortgage Calculators](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/mortgage-calculators/) - [Home Loan Teams](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loan-officers/) - [Overview](http://libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/mortgage-loan-officers/) - [Bradenton/Wildewood Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/wildewood-mortgage-team) - [Sarasota/Stickney Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/stickney-mortgage-team-1) - [Sarasota/Square South Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/square-south-mortgage-team) - [Lakewood Ranch/Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/lakewood-ranch-florida-mortgage-team) - [Venice/Home Loan Team](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/jacaranda-mortgage-team-2) - [1098 Mortgage Interest Statement](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/mortgages/1098-mortgage-interest-statement/) - [Personal Loans](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/personal-loans-florida) - [Commercial/Business Loans](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/commercial-business-lending) - Support - Getting Started - [About Online and Mobile Banking](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/about-online-and-mobile-banking/) - [Installing the Mobile Banking App](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/installing-the-mobile-banking-app/) - [Accessing the Online Banking Site](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/accessing-the-online-banking-site/) - [Logging In](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/logging-in-overview/logging-in-for-the-first-time/) - [Logging Out Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/getting-started/logging-off-overview/logging-off-voluntarily/) - The Homepage - [Using the Menu](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/using-the-menu/) - [Viewing Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/viewing-accounts/) - [Viewing the Sidebar](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/viewing-the-sidebar/) - [Account Information on the Home Page](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/account-information-on-the-home-page/) - [Account Details Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/the-home-page/account-details-overview/) - Online Activity - [Creating Custom Views in the Online Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/creating-custom-views-in-the-activity-center/) - [Sorting Transactions in the Online Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/sorting-transactions-in-the-activity-center/) - [Viewing Transaction Details in the Activity Center Overview](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/viewing-transaction-details-in-the-activity-center-overview/) - [Copying A Transaction](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/approving-transactions/) - [Sending a Message About a Transaction in the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/sending-a-message-about-a-transaction-in-the-activity-center/) - [Printing Transaction Details from the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/printing-transaction-details-from-the-activity-center/) - [Exporting by Transaction Type in the Activity Center](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/online-activity/exporting-by-transaction-type-in-the-activity-center/) - Personal Banking - [Enrolling for Financial Tools](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/enrolling-in-cpfm/) - [Classic Bill Pay](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/libertycard-onfile-and-instapay) - [Depositing a Check on Your Mobile Device](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/depositing-a-check-on-your-mobile-device/) - [Managing Manual Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/managing-manual-accounts/) - [Financial Tools: Using PFM Widgets](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/personal-banking/using-pfm-widgets/) - Business Banking - [Canceling Pending Transaction](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/business-banking/canceling-pending-transaction/) - [Approving Transactions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/business-banking/approving-transactions/) - [Explainer Videos](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/help/explainer-videos/) ![FDIC Logo](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/logo-fdic.svg) FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government # News & Insights [Home](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/) News & Insights ## Protect Your Finances from Check Washing and Mail Check Fraud ![](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/unseen-studio-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash-1.jpg) At Liberty Savings Bank, we take the security of your finances seriously. This article provides information on check washing and mail check fraud, along with steps you can take to safeguard your accounts. ## What is Check Washing? Check washing is a form of fraud where a criminal steals your checks, removes the original payee information (the name of the person or entity the check was written to), and replaces it with their own. They may then alter the amount of the check to a higher value. The criminal can then deposit or cash the check, stealing your money. ### How to Protect Yourself from Check Washing - **Order checks with security features.** Look for checks that have a background design, microprinting, and a tamper-evident void pantograph. These features can make it more difficult for criminals to alter the check. - **Keep your checks in a secure location**. Don't leave them in your car, mailbox, or anywhere else where they could be easily stolen. - **Restrict who has access to your checks**. Don't give your checks to people you don't know or trust. - **Reconcile your bank statements regularly.** This will help you identify any unauthorized checks that have been cashed on your account. - **Consider using electronic payments whenever possible.** Electronic payments, such as ACH transfers or bill pay, are a more secure way to pay for goods and services. ## Mail Check Fraud Mail check fraud occurs when someone steals your checks or blank check stock and uses them to create counterfeit checks. They may then mail these checks to themselves or to a third party to be cashed. ### How to Protect Yourself from Mail Check Fraud - **Be careful about your mail.** Don't leave outgoing mail unattended in your mailbox, especially if it contains checks. - **Deposit your mail promptly.** If you receive checks in the mail, deposit them at your bank as soon as possible. - **Shred any unused or voided checks.** This will help to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. - **Report lost or stolen checks to your bank immediately.** If you think your checks have been lost or stolen, contact Liberty Savings Bank right away to report the incident and have a stop payment placed on the checks. By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from check washing and mail check fraud. If you have any questions or concerns, please [don't hesitate to contact us](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/locations/). We are here to help you keep your finances safe. [![Personal Loan (5)](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Personal%20Loan%20(5).png?width=1200&height=400&name=Personal%20Loan%20(5).png)](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/online-banking-consultation)   #### Subscribe to our blog *“*They are a hands-on company and have been there every step of the way.*”* **TOM – Local Sarasota Liberty Customer** ## *You can trust liberty* ## Liberty has hundreds of ★★★★★ reviews. Backed by the FDIC. Bauer recommended. [Find out More](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/★★★★★-rating-by-bauer-financial/) [![Liberty Savings Bank](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/Liberty_Savings_Bank_June2019/Images/logo.png)](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/) ### YOU CAN TRUST LIBERTY ![SRQ-generic-02](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SRQ-generic-02.png?width=192&height=178&name=SRQ-generic-02.png)   ### Additional Links - [Testimonials](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/testimonials/) - [Case Histories](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/case-histories/) - [FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/faqs-frequently-asked-questions/) - [Pricing - Checking and Savings Accounts](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/pricing-checking-and-savings-accounts/) - [Fraud and Security Awareness](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/fraud-and-security-awareness/) - [Careers](https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/List/5189/Liberty-Savings-Bank-FSB) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Notice](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/privacy-notice/) - [News & Insights](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/news-insights/) - [ATM Locations](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/atm-locations/) - [Existing Mortgage Loans](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/existing-mortgage-loans/) - [2026 Personal Fee Schedule](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-Personal-Fee-Schedule.pdf) - [2026 Business Fee Schedule](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-Business-Fee-Schedule.pdf) - [★★★★★ Rating](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85-rating-by-bauer-financial/) - [Florida Personal Loans Guide](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/florida-personal-loans-101) - [Bradenton Florida Guide](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/bradenton-florida-guide) - [Sarasota Florida Guide](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/sarasota-florida-guide) - [Venice Florida Guide](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/venice-florida-guide) - [CRA Public Information](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CRA-Public-File-07.01.25.pdf) - [Ohio Homebuyer Plus](https://value.libertysavingsbank.com/ohio-homebuyer-plus-savings-account-waitlist) - [Helpful Disaster Relief Information](https://www.libertysavingsbank.com/helpful-disaster-relief-information/) ![footer housing icons](https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hs-fs/hubfs/footer%20housing%20icons.png?width=163&name=footer%20housing%20icons.png) Optimized for ADA accessibility using W3CAG 2.0 guidelines. APY= Annual Percentage Yield Copyright © 2023, Liberty Savings Bank, F.S.B., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #408905, All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bill Rieger", "url" : "https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/blog/author/bill-rieger" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-05T15:06:32.188Z", "datePublished" : "2024-07-08T13:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Protect Your Finances from Check Washing and Mail Check Fraud", "image" : [ "https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/hubfs/unseen-studio-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://news.libertysavingsbank.com/blog/protect-your-finances-from-check-washing-and-mail-check-fraud", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4091/img/vast.png" }, "name" : "Liberty Savings Bank" } } ```