Scam Alert

Scammers are particularly active during the holiday season. Checks are being stolen from the mail and then altered to insert new payees and cash amounts. The practice is called “whitewashing” and the operation is pretty sophisticated. Scammers will access your bank account using the stolen check, determine how much money is in your account, and then alter the check to withdraw as much money as possible without raising suspicion. A far safer practice is to avoid paying bills by check entirely and use your bank’s bill pay app.