Tips for Protecting Your Dealership Against Check Washing and Theft

Written by Ally Financial

While much of your dealership’s banking business has probably gone digital, it’s possible that you still send and receive checks as part of normal everyday business. But is this traditional payment option secure?

Mail theft is a growing problem across the country, and many of these criminals are looking for checks to intercept. While concerning, you can take steps to help protect your dealership against mail theft and check fraud.  

Mail Theft

Most mail arrives at the intended destination without any issue. But thousands of scammers are arrested each year for targeting mail in transit — or taking them right out of mailboxes (a practice known as mailbox fishing).  

Check Washing

Check washing refers to scams where thieves use chemicals to remove ink from a check. In other instances, copiers or scanners are used to print fraudulent duplicates of the check. 

Ways to Help Protect Your Dealership from Check Washing:

• Use a black gel pen. Certain types are resistant to chemical stripping since their pigments seep into the fibers of the check’s paper.
• Review images of checks online to ensure they appear as you wrote them. 
• Limit how often you send checks in the mail. Instead, rely on digital tools to make and receive payments.

Best Practices When Sending Mail 

If you do need to mail a check, follow these tips to make sure it’s delivered safely:

• Follow your mail – the U.S. Postal Service provides resources to monitor your mail’s status and receive confirmation on arrival, as well as other secure options for businesses to receive mail.
• Mail directly from the post office – the mail slots inside are virtually tamper-proof, shielding mail from thieves.

Alternative Options for Safe Business Banking

The digital world has made banking simpler and safer. Most vendors offer online bill payment options. Additionally, your business may be able to utilize digital payment platforms like Dealer Pay, Stripe, Zelle or Venmo.  For high-dollar payments, consider alternative methods like ACH or wire transfer. Your online banking site should offer these services.

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