Manteno, IL – Authorities are alerting local residents to a surge in check washing fraud targeting individuals mailing checks to pay utility bills, with reports indicating checks have been stolen from both home mailboxes and the local Post Office.
According to the Manteno Police Department, check washing occurs after a criminal intercepts a mailed check before it reaches its intended recipient. The suspect then uses chemicals to erase handwritten information such as the payee and amount, allowing them to rewrite the check to a new recipient and increase the amount—often to thousands of dollars more than originally intended. In some cases, bank routing and account numbers are also used to facilitate further fraudulent withdrawals.
Police noted that while it was once believed black gel pens could deter check washing, this is no longer considered a reliable preventive measure. Officials recommend residents utilize secure online payment methods whenever possible to reduce the risk of check theft and fraud. Those unable to use online options should closely monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Authorities urge anyone who suspects they may be a victim of check fraud to contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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