Mailing a check inside a greeting card might seem harmless, but with mail theft on the rise, taking precautions is essential. Criminals have developed sophisticated methods to steal checks, alter them, and drain bank accounts—often before victims even realize what’s happened.

 

One common concern people have is whether it's still safe to mail a check inside a card.

 

The short answer? It can be—but only if you take the right precautions. Let’s discuss.

 

The Risk: Check Washing & Mail Theft

Mail thieves aren’t just looking for gift cards or cash—they’re targeting checks because they can alter and cash them fraudulently.

 

How Does Check Washing Work?

Criminals steal checks from mailboxes, use household chemicals to erase the ink, and then rewrite the check with a new name and amount. They then cash the altered check, leaving the victim with a drained account.

 

Check fraud costs Americans millions of dollars every year, and it’s becoming more sophisticated. That’s why the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has issued warnings about this growing crime.

 

How to Safely Mail a Check

 

To protect yourself and your money, follow these simple safety measures:

 

✔ Avoid Leaving Mail in Your Mailbox – Never leave outgoing checks in your home’s mailbox, even if you raise the flag. Thieves watch for outgoing mail and can easily steal it.

✔ Skip the Blue Postal Boxes – While USPS collection boxes seem safe, criminals have been known to break into them. If you must use one, drop mail just before the last pickup of the day.

✔ Use a Gel Pen to Write the Check – Unlike standard ballpoint pens, gel ink soaks into the paper fibers, making it much harder for thieves to wash off.

✔ Mail Your Check Inside the Post Office – The safest option is to go inside your local post office and drop the mail in a secure slot.

✔ Give Mail Directly to Your Letter Carrier – If visiting the post office isn’t convenient, hand your outgoing mail directly to your mail carrier instead of leaving it in your box.

 

Better Alternatives to Mailing a Check

 

If you want extra security, consider these safer ways to send money:

 

Online Bill Pay – Most banks offer free, secure check mailing services through their online banking platform.

Mobile Payment Apps – Services like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal can transfer money instantly without the risk of check fraud.

Direct Bank Transfers – If you’re sending money to family, a direct bank transfer is safer than mailing a physical check.

 

Final Thoughts: Mail Checks Safely or Use a More Secure Option

While it’s not illegal or inherently unsafe to mail a check, mail theft is a real and growing problem. If you must send a check, follow the recommended safety tips—or better yet, consider using a digital payment method instead.

 

Have you ever had a check stolen or altered? Share your experience in the comments!