MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Jo Ann Deal with the Better Business Bureau joined Good Morning ArkLaMiss to warn about check washing.

Deal says scammers can intercept mail and use household chemicals to “wash” checks.

She says they can remove the writing to add any name or amount to your check. They can also cash them using fake identities.

Also, they are able to create new checks using your bank name and routing number.

Deal says even if scammers don’t cash your check, it still puts you at a much higher risk of identity theft.

To avoid check-washing schemes:

Take advantage of electronic payment methods

Take precautions when writing checks - drop checks off at the post office, instead of leaving them in the mailbox

Put a hold on your mail when going out of town

Improve mailbox security, wit

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