Williamson County, Tenn. – Two altered check cases this week are prompting a fraud warning from the Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received two reports involving “washed” checks that had been intercepted and chemically altered before being cashed.
In one case, a resident mailed a check for more than $3,000 to pay property taxes. Authorities said the check was never received by the intended recipient and was allegedly intercepted, altered, and made payable to someone else.
In a separate incident, another resident reported a check had allegedly been altered to change both the payee name and the amount to more than $8,000.
Sheriff’s officials said check washing is a growing fraud trend in which criminals steal outgoing mail, remove ink using chemicals, and rewrite checks for higher amounts or different recipients.
The agency warned that leaving outgoing mail in residential mailboxes — especially with the flag raised — may increase the risk of theft.
Residents are advised to:
- Take outgoing mail directly inside the post office when possible
- Avoid leaving checks in mailboxes overnight
- Use black gel ink pens when writing checks
- Monitor bank accounts frequently
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is urged to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 615-790-5550.
Young workers and students who rely on mailed rent or tuition payments may also face financial disruptions if checks are intercepted.
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