Published 01-09-23
Submitted by Fifth Third Bancorp
CINCINNATI, January 9, 2023 /CSRwire/ – When it comes to protecting your money, there seem to be new – and old – ways to scam people. One of those scams is check washing. Fifth Third Bank has tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
What is check washing?
Check washing is when thieves steal checks from mailboxes and mail carriers. Once the thieves have the checks in hand, they use common household cleaning products such as bleach or acetone to remove all the information on the check—except for the signature.
Then, the thieves change the payee names and dollar amounts to fraudulently deposit the checks into their own account or sell them to other fraudsters. Once a thief has access to your check, they have access to your account.
How can you avoid becoming a victim?
To help keep you and your accounts protected from check washing, it’s important to check your accounts often – you can do that through online banking or a mobile app.
If you must use the mail to send checks:
Alternatives to check
There are several alternative, more secure ways to make or receive payments, which can help protect you from check washing and other scams.
Fifth Third Bank is committed to assisting customers who have experienced fraud on their account. We recommend our customers contact Fifth Third Bank to report suspected fraud by calling the call center (800-972-3030) or visiting their local Fifth Third financial center. From there, our representatives can help determine the best next steps, as situations differ.
About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB." Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Member FDIC
Media Contacts
Beth Oates (Media Relations)
Beth.Oates@53.com
313-230-9002
Chris Doll (Investor Relations)
Christopher.Doll@53.com
513-534-2345
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, National Association, a federally chartered institution. As of Dec. 31, 2021, Fifth Third had $211 billion in assets and operated 1,117 full-service banking centers and 2,322 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 54,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
Fifth Third’s Purpose is to improve lives and the well-being of its communities by being the One Bank people most value and trust. The Company believes in doing well by doing good and delivering long-term sustainable value to all its stakeholders. Fifth Third is focused on five environmental, social and governance priorities: keeping the customer at the center, demonstrating its commitment to employees, strengthening its communities, promoting inclusion and diversity, and addressing climate change.
More from Fifth Third Bancorp