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Check Forgery 101

Think your check is safe after you fill it out? Think again...

Your writing can be removed using a procedure called "check washing." A solvent is used - usually rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover - to fade out or completely remove what you've put on your check.

Here's a before and after picture:

Check Washing Before

Check Washing After

The check is now ready for a new amount (I'm guessing larger than $10) and a new recipient.

An even better trick for the forger is to cover your signature so it remains in place while everything else is removed.

So how can you avoid becoming a victim of this trick?

Use the right pen.

Based on the excellent testing of Sean Kane, he found that gel pens worked best at resisting these check washing procedures.

See the whole experiment and complete results on Sean's site.

January 2, 2006
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3 Comments

Anonymous

Posted 8/23/2009

It works, ive tested it on my own checks, nail polish remover just fades it while soaking it in alcohol and letting it dry removes the ink completly

Posted 7/1/2006

Stealing it. Most likely from US mail.

Posted 1/7/2006

how did the washer get the check you made out to legit company

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