Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCheck washing is check fraud in which someone steals a genuine paper check, removes or alters its ink, and changes the payee name or amount before depositing it. If a check you mailed is cashed but the intended recipient says it never arrived, contact your bank promptly and investigate the check image and mail theft.
What check washing is—and what it is not
A washed check starts as a real check. A criminal may steal it from outgoing mail or after delivery, then use chemicals to remove or alter the writing and fill in a different payee name or dollar amount. The altered check may not draw attention until you review your account activity or see the paid-check image. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) describes this as a growing mail-related fraud risk.
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Not every altered-check case involves washing the original paper. USPIS also warns that criminals may use copiers or scanners to make fake copies of checks. That is related check fraud, but it is not the same physical process as chemically changing an original check.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →USPIS says Postal Inspectors recover more than $1 billion in counterfeit checks and money orders every year (2025). This is a figure for recoveries across counterfeit checks and money orders, not an estimate of losses caused by check washing alone.
#1 Best Overall
- If the ink is dry before the office stamp you just received is used, please contact us directly and we will be happy to solve the problem for you.
- 【For Deposit Only Self-inking Bank Stamp】: High quality pre-inked for deposit only stamp could mark thousands of smooth impressions before ink needs to be refilled.When the impressions begins to fade,the ink pads could replaceable and re-inkable.Simply push the deposit stamp self inking down about 5mm,and lock the two sides red buttons,slide ink pad out to refill the ink,reinsert,and push the for deposit only stamp down completely.Super ABS hard-wearing plastic frame for long lasting durability.
- 【Multi Choices For Deposit Only Stamp For Checks】: Our for deposit only self inking rubber stamp is available in black color.Bank stamps for deposit only designs include : FOR DEPOSIT ONLY;for deposit only with bank icon.You could choose one of the for deposit only stamp you like.Each for deposit only stamp impression size : 9/16" x 1-1/2".Our deposit stamp has unique design,and vibrant ink fill ,which provide a crisp,permanent and clear stamping impression on the paper without bleeding.
- 【Check Endorsement Self Inking Stamp For Deposit Only】:Our deposit stamps design by an open imprint area which is clear, see-through for fast and precise alignment stamping accurately.And there is a large index window on the top of deposit only stamp,that shows what the for deposit only stamp is and the direction of the deposit stamp,so you don't confuse it with other business stamps.It's great for saving your time and giving the ability to stamp bulk paperwork in a fast and effective way.
- 【Deposit Self Inking Stamps for Business】:Press down the deposit only stamp easily,check endorsement stamp for deposit only works quick and repetitively.When finishing stamping,put the for deposit only stamp for checks away until next stamping.The impression rests inside the ink pad,so it isn't easy to dry.Our Bank deposit only stamp are perfect for daily business work!Great ideal for bank,bill,invoice,accounting,bookkeeping,work, ordering, inventory,office,business,school,company and more.
How to spot an altered or missing check
Compare the paid-check image with what you wrote
Review your account activity and, when available, the front and back images of paid checks. Compare the payee and amount with your own records or check register. Look at the endorsement on the back if the bank provides that image. A mismatch is a reason to contact your bank promptly.
Follow up when delivery is uncertain
If the intended recipient says a check never arrived, verify whether it has cleared and ask the recipient to confirm receipt. A check that clears despite not reaching its intended payee may have been stolen, altered, copied, or otherwise used fraudulently; investigate rather than assuming it is merely delayed.
Rank #2
- Clear & Bold “Void” Impressions: Precision HD engraving ensures crisp, highly visible “VOID” marks every time, making it easy to prevent unauthorized use of invoices, checks, receipts, and other important documents.
- Pre-Inked Mechanism: Durable self-inking design delivers smooth stamping without the need for a separate ink pad, ideal for frequent office, accounting, or administrative use.
- Protects Against Fraud & Errors: Clearly mark voided documents to prevent accidental processing or unauthorized transactions, improving office security and accountability.
- Reliable Performance: Crafted from premium, industrial-grade materials, this HD rubber stamp is designed to withstand heavy office and business use. It provides thousands of clean, consistent impressions without fading, smudging, or losing clarity.
- For Office & Business Needs: Ideal for accountants, finance departments, small business owners, and administrative staff. Use it on invoices, checks, receipts, contracts, and other sensitive paperwork to prevent mistakes and unauthorized use.
Watch for gaps in the mail
A missing check is not proof of washing, but it warrants attention—especially if the account later shows a payment you did not authorize. Mail theft can occur before a check reaches its recipient, so the recipient’s report and your transaction history both matter.
How to reduce the risk when writing or mailing checks
- Use a secure handoff for outgoing mail. Give mail to a letter carrier or take it to a Post Office collection slot. If you use a blue collection box, USPIS advises depositing mail before the last pickup.
- Collect incoming mail promptly. Do not leave it in the mailbox overnight. When traveling, arrange a USPS mail hold or ask someone you trust to collect it.
- Write with harder-to-remove ink. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends black permanent marker or black gel ink; USPIS and the American Bankers Association (ABA) also recommend indelible black ink. This can reduce risk but is not a guarantee against alteration.
- Complete the check fields. Fill the payee and amount lines fully so there is less blank space to exploit, and avoid writing sensitive personal details on the check.
- Monitor payments. Use online or mobile banking to review account activity and available check images. Confirm that the payee and amount match your records, inspect the endorsement when shown, and follow up with the recipient if delivery is uncertain.
- Consider another payment method when it fits. E-checks, ACH transfers, and other electronic or mobile payments avoid mailing a paper check. They have their own risks, so choose a method appropriate to the payment and verify the transaction.
- Use security envelopes for privacy, not as a guarantee. USPIS and ABA say these can conceal the contents of mail. Their guidance does not establish that an envelope prevents theft or check washing.
What to do if a check is missing, stolen, or altered
- Contact your bank or credit union right away. Explain that a check may have been stolen or altered, identify the disputed transaction, and ask the institution to address it. Request copies of the fraudulent check or checks. The CFPB’s guidance on a stolen and cashed check also advises contacting the bank and obtaining copies.
- Report mail-related crime. Report it to USPIS through its online reporting page or by calling 1-877-876-2455, and make a report to local police. Keep your account records and any check images available.
- Review related account activity. Check recent transactions for other unfamiliar or altered payments and examine paid-check images, including the endorsement when supplied by your bank.
- If a signed check was lost before you filled in the payee, ask about stopping payment. CFPB advises asking the bank about a stop payment when a signed check was lost without a payee filled in. Responsibility and recovery depend on the facts and applicable state law. CFPB says state law generally does not make a writer responsible when the intended payee’s signature is forged, but that protection generally does not apply when the writer signed a blank check and someone filled in their own name. This is general guidance, not an individualized legal determination.
Additional controls for small businesses
Higher transaction volumes and account balances can make altered or counterfeit checks harder to notice. USPIS and the ABA Foundation recommend limiting access to business checks and sensitive information, asking the bank about check-monitoring or fraud-prevention programs, and exploring positive pay. Positive pay can require verification of checks drawn against an account; ask the bank how its service works and what checks it covers.
Rank #3
- Impression Size: The stamped image measures approximately 2 3/16" x 13/16" and is made of deeply etched rubber for maximum clarity.
- Self Inking Stamp: Ideal for rapid printing - no separate ink pad required. For an all-in-one solution, the stamp comes with its own ink pad in a selection of ink colors. For easy identification, the design is placed on top of the stamp.
- Mess-Free Stamping: Simply press and release your stamp onto the surface for a clear, readable impression every time. This vibrant black ink completely saturates the page, eliminating the need to worry about the impression fading or lightening over time.
- Water based Ink: Water based ink, that will dry on paper, card and even non treated wood. Many uses, and ideal for Bank Deposit Stamps
- Easy to Align: The stamp is simple to use, designed like a pre-inked stamp with a handle that makes it easy to use. The clear lower mount allows you to precisely align your stamp impression
Business controls also depend on closing the loop on payments: use secure postal drop-off, collect incoming mail promptly, confirm that checks reached their intended recipients, and flag outstanding items for follow-up.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Encouraging Check Mark Design】Cute check mark stamp helps teachers give positive feedback in a simple and fun way. This grading stamps perfect for rewarding students’ effort and boosting classroom motivation
- 【Self-Inking & Easy to Use】Self-inking stamp built-in ink pad design—just press and stamp! No separate ink needed, saving time for busy teachers during grading or daily classroom use
- 【Compact & Portable Size】Measures approx. 1.26" (3.2cm) wide and 2.48" (6.3cm) tall. Easy to hold, lightweight, and convenient to carry in your teacher bag or desk drawer
- 【Versatile Use】Great for grading homework, decorating notebooks, journaling, or DIY cards. Ideal for teachers, parents, and homeschool activities
- 【Practical & Fun Gift】A practical and cute gift for teachers, educators, or anyone who works with kids—perfect for back to school, Teacher Appreciation Day, or classroom supplies
Rank #4
- Use this FOR DEPOSIT ONLY rubber stamp to stay organized wherever you go.
- Self-inking design allows for quick, repetitive stamping, and a clear mount bottom allows you to accurately line up your impression.
- ExcelMark A1539 mount impression area: 9/16"x 1-1/2", Stamp impression: FOR DEPOSIT ONLY
- Re-inkable, replaceable ink pad prints in blue ink.
- Double-sided ink pad extends the longevity of your stamp before needing to be re-inked
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