An area couple is warning others to keep a close eye on their checks after falling victim to a bold case of check fraud that turned a $22 water heater payment into a $3,700 theft.
According to a report taken by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the husband told deputies that his wife had mailed a check for $22.36 to a water heater rental company on April 25. But just four days later, they discovered something alarming in their bank account—the same check number had cleared for $3,709.16.
The check had been altered, including changes to:
- The amount
- The payee’s name
- The memo line (which was rewritten as “vehicle repair”)
Even more bizarre, the altered check still had his sister-in-law’s name on it, suggesting it may have been stolen from their mailbox before being “washed” and rewritten.
The couple suspects someone intercepted the check before it reached the intended recipient. The altered check was cashed at Truist Bank, and a copy has been submitted to investigators.
Authorities are now investigating the fraud, but no suspects have been named.
🛡️ Protect Your Checks from Fraud: Top Tips
- Use Gel Pens – Regular ink can be “washed” off a check. Use black gel pens to make alterations harder.
- Secure Your Mail – Don’t leave outgoing mail in your box overnight. Drop it at a post office or blue USPS collection box.
- Check Your Accounts Daily – Spot fraudulent activity quickly by reviewing your transactions every day.
- Use Electronic Payments When Possible – Paying online or through verified apps can reduce the risk of physical mail theft.
- Alert Your Bank Immediately – If you suspect check fraud, contact your bank to flag the transaction and start an investigation.
- File a Police Report – Documentation is critical for both law enforcement and bank fraud departments.
Check fraud is on the rise, and thieves are getting bolder. If you still write paper checks, it’s more important than ever to protect them like cash—because once they’re in the wrong hands, your bank account could be the next target.
