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:

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.