Technology

Check washing crisis fueled by AI and mail theft

Published

8 months ago

May 18, 2025

Check washing crisis fueled by AI and mail theft

Once considered an old-fashioned crime, check washing has roared back to life with alarming sophistication.

Criminals are not just targeting personal checks anymore. They are exploiting every vulnerability in the mailing and banking system to cash in on stolen funds.

As check fraud incidents continue to rise sharply across the country, it is more important than ever to understand how check washing works and what you can do to protect yourself. Here is what you need to know to stay ahead of the scammers.

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A pen placed on top of a blank check (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is check washing fraud?

Check washing fraud happens when a scammer steals a check you have written, erases the ink using chemicals like acetone or nail polish remover, and rewrites it to a new recipient. Often, they will change the amount to something much higher. The altered check is then deposited or cashed, and the funds are drained from your account before you even realize something is wrong.

Why it’s dangerous:

Check washing does not require much technical skill.
It can happen with checks you leave in your outgoing mail.
Even mailed bill payments are vulnerable if not handled securely.

FBI WARNS OF SCAM TARGETING VICTIMS WITH FAKE HOSPITALS AND POLICE

Unlike digital fraud, check washing often goes unnoticed until long after the damage is done. Because checks can take days or even weeks to clear through the banking system, criminals have plenty of time to deposit altered checks and move funds before victims realize anything is wrong.

By the time the missing money is discovered, tracing it back to the scammer can be extremely difficult. This delay makes it critical to monitor your accounts closely and act quickly if you spot any suspicious activity.

Illustration of check fraud in progress (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

FBI WARNS OF SCAM TARGETING VICTIMS WITH FAKE HOSPITALS AND POLICE

How check washing has gotten worse

Since 2023, check fraud has exploded in the United States.

The surge in fraud reports reflects more than just isolated criminal acts. Organized crime rings are increasingly turning to check washing as a hybrid crime, blending old-school mail theft with new digital tools like AI. Fraudsters now use advanced technologies to forge identities, alter check images and exploit gaps in banking security, making check washing more sophisticated than ever. As financial institutions strengthen cybersecurity defenses, scammers are targeting physical mail systems as a weaker link to bypass digital barriers.

Real examples:

Six people were charged with attempting to steal $80 million through fraudulent checks tied to COVID-19 relief funds.
In Florida, a former mail carrier pleaded guilty to attempting to sell USPS arrow keys and stolen checks totaling nearly $550,000 to an undercover agent, leading to his arrest and confession.

New tricks criminals are using

Fraudsters have adapted their methods to stay ahead of law enforcement and banks.

Mobile deposit fraud: Criminals alter check images or deposit the same check into multiple accounts.
Synthetic identity fraud: Scammers create fake identities using AI-generated documents to open accounts and cash stolen checks.
Business Email Compromise (BEC): Attackers impersonate executives or vendors to convince companies to send checks to fraudulent accounts.

Criminals are combining old techniques like mail theft with new digital strategies, making check washing harder to recognize and prevent without proactive security measures. Recent advancements in AI technology have made it easier for scammers to forge realistic-looking documents, generate convincing fake identities and create sophisticated phishing emails.

AI-generated fake IDs and altered check images can pass basic verification checks that would have caught manual forgeries in the past. This shift means check fraud is no longer just a matter of stealing a physical check, but exploiting digital vulnerabilities at every stage of the banking process.

A person going over a bank statement (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE DOING WRONG WHEN SCAMMERS CALL

How to protect yourself from check washing fraud

Here are 14 essential protective measures to shield yourself from check washing scams.

1. Use a black gel pen: When writing checks, always use a black gel pen. The ink is much harder to remove compared to regular ballpoint pen ink.

2. Bring checks directly to the post office when mailing them: If using a mailbox, make sure to drop off your mail before the final scheduled pickup so it is not left sitting overnight.

3. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery: Stay ahead by signing up for USPS Informed Delivery. You will receive digital previews of incoming mail so you can monitor for any missing items early. Learn more about why it’s important here.

4. Monitor your bank accounts: Set up real-time alerts for check clearing and review your statements weekly to catch any suspicious activity. Also, ask your bank about any other fraud-prevention tools they offer to protect your accounts.

5. Switch to digital payments when possible: Use your bank’s mobile app to deposit checks without mailing or physically delivering them, reducing the risk of theft or tampering.

6. Use checks with built-in security features: Choose checks printed on paper with watermarks, chemical-sensitive coatings or other security features that make check washing much harder.

7. Limit the information on checks: Avoid unnecessary personal details. Do not print your Social Security number, driver’s license number or phone number on your checks. The less information available, the less a fraudster can use.

HOW CYBERSCAMS ARE DRAINING AMERICANS WALLETS BY THE BILLIONS

8. Store checks securely: Keep blank checks in a safe place. Store your checkbook in a locked drawer or safe, not in your purse, car or an easily accessible location at home.

9. Check your mailbox security: Install a locking mailbox. If possible, use a mailbox with a lock to prevent thieves from stealing outgoing or incoming mail.

10. Be cautious with endorsements: When endorsing checks, write “For Deposit Only” along with your account number to prevent others from cashing the check.

11. Enroll in identity theft protection with check fraud specialization: Choose services that specifically monitor for compromised check details on dark web marketplaces and alert you to suspicious check-cashing patterns. Identity theft protection services monitor your personal data across the dark web and public databases, alert you to suspicious activity and assist you in locking down your accounts if needed. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

12. Invest in personal data removal services: Minimize exposure of sensitive details (like addresses or banking affiliations) that fraudsters could exploit for check-washing scams. Removing your personal information from these sites can help reduce your risk of becoming a victim. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap and neither is your privacy.

These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

13. Shred sensitive documents: Shred old checks and bank statements. Don’t just throw them away. Shred any documents with sensitive banking information.

14. Report suspicious activity immediately: If you suspect check fraud or missing mail, report it to your bank and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service right away.

15. Use Positive Pay if you are a business: Positive Pay is a fraud prevention service offered by most banks to business customers. It works by matching the checks you issue with the ones presented for payment. If something doesn’t add up, like a changed amount or payee, the bank flags it for your review before it’s processed. You usually need to sign up through your bank, and there might be a fee, but it’s a smart way to protect your business from check fraud, especially if you write a lot of checks.

What to do if you are a victim

If you think you have been targeted by check fraud:

Time matters. The faster you act, the better your chances of recovering lost funds.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Check washing fraud is growing rapidly, and criminals are becoming more organized and sophisticated. Simple habits like using gel pens, securing your mail and monitoring your financial accounts closely can make a big difference. Services like USPS Informed Delivery, Positive Pay for businesses and personal data removal tools provide added layers of protection. Identity theft protection services can also offer critical support if you ever become a victim of check fraud.

Have you or someone you know experienced check fraud? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Grubhub confirms data breach amid extortion claims

Published

11 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Grubhub confirms data breach amid extortion claims

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Food delivery platform Grubhub has confirmed a recent data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems.

The disclosure comes as sources tell BleepingComputer the company is now facing extortion demands linked to stolen data.

In a statement to BleepingComputer, Grubhub said it detected and stopped the activity quickly.

“We’re aware of unauthorized individuals who recently downloaded data from certain Grubhub systems,” the company said. “We quickly investigated, stopped the activity, and are taking steps to further increase our security posture.”

Grubhub added that sensitive information, such as financial details or order history, was not affected. However, the company declined to answer follow-up questions about when the breach occurred, whether customer data was involved or if it is actively being extorted.

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RANSOMWARE ATTACK EXPOSES SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AT MAJOR GAS STATION CHAIN

Grubhub confirmed a data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems, prompting an investigation and heightened security measures. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

What Grubhub has confirmed so far

While details remain limited, Grubhub confirmed several key points. It has brought in a third-party cybersecurity firm and notified law enforcement. Beyond that, the company has stayed largely silent. That lack of detail has raised concern, especially given Grubhub’s recent security history. Just last month, the company was linked to scam emails sent from its own b.grubhub.com subdomain. Those messages promoted a cryptocurrency scam promising large returns on Bitcoin payments. Grubhub said it contained the incident and blocked further unauthorized emails. It did not clarify whether the two events are related.

Sources link the breach to ShinyHunters extortion

According to multiple sources cited by BleepingComputer, the ShinyHunters hacking group is behind the extortion attempt. The group has not publicly commented on the claims and declined to respond when contacted. Sources say the attackers are demanding a Bitcoin payment to prevent the release of stolen data. That data reportedly includes older Salesforce records from a February 2025 breach and newer Zendesk data taken during the most recent intrusion. Grubhub uses Zendesk to run its online customer support system. That platform handles order issues, account access and billing questions, making it a valuable target for attackers.

How stolen credentials may have enabled the attack

Investigators believe the breach may be tied to credentials stolen during earlier Salesloft Drift attacks. In August 2025, threat actors used stolen OAuth tokens from Salesloft’s Salesforce integration to access sensitive systems over a 10-day period. According to a report from Google Threat Intelligence Group, also known as Mandiant, attackers used that stolen data to launch follow-up attacks across multiple platforms. “GTIG observed UNC6395 targeting sensitive credentials such as AWS access keys, passwords and Snowflake-related access tokens,” Google reported. ShinyHunters previously claimed responsibility for that campaign, stating it stole roughly 1.5 billion records from Salesforce environments tied to hundreds of companies.

Why this breach still matters

Even if payment data and order history were not affected, support systems often contain personal details. Names, email addresses and account notes can be enough to fuel phishing attacks or identity scams. More importantly, this incident highlights how older breaches can continue to cause damage long after the initial attack. Stolen credentials that are never rotated remain a powerful entry point for threat actors.

Ways to stay safe after the Grubhub data breach

If you use Grubhub or any online delivery service, a few smart steps can reduce your risk after a breach.

1) Update your password and stop re-use

Start by changing your Grubhub password right away. Make sure you do not reuse that password anywhere else. Reused passwords give attackers an easy path into other accounts. A password manager can help here. It creates strong, unique logins and stores them securely so you do not have to remember them all.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

ILLINOIS DHS DATA BREACH EXPOSES 700K RESIDENTS’ RECORDS

The food delivery platform says it quickly stopped the intrusion but has not disclosed when the breach occurred or whether customers were targeted. (Leonardo Munoz/VIEWpress)

2) Turn on two-factor authentication

If two-factor authentication (2FA) is available, enable it. This adds a second step when you sign in, such as a code sent to your phone or app. Even if a hacker steals your password, two-factor authentication can stop them from getting in.

3) Watch closely for phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software

Be alert for emails or texts that mention orders, refunds or support issues. Attackers often use stolen support data to make messages feel urgent and real. Do not click links or open attachments unless you are certain they are legitimate. Strong antivirus software can also help block malicious links and downloads before they cause harm.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

4) Remove your data from people-search sites

Consider using a data removal service to reduce your online footprint. These services help remove your personal details from data broker sites that attackers often use to build profiles. Less exposed data means fewer tools for scammers to exploit.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

5) Ignore crypto messages using trusted brands

Be skeptical of any cryptocurrency offers tied to familiar companies. Grubhub was previously linked to scam emails promoting crypto schemes, which shows how often attackers abuse trusted names. Legitimate companies do not promise fast returns or pressure you to act immediately.

6) Monitor your Grubhub account and email activity

Check your Grubhub account for anything that looks unfamiliar. Watch for unexpected password reset emails, order confirmations or support messages you did not request. Attackers often test stolen data quietly before making bigger moves.

7) Secure the email linked to your Grubhub account

Your email account is the key to password resets. Change that password and enable two-factor authentication if it is not already on. If attackers control your email, they can regain access even after you change other passwords.

8) Stay alert for delayed scams tied to the breach

Breach data is often reused weeks or months later. Phishing attempts may appear long after headlines fade. Treat any future messages claiming to reference Grubhub support, refunds or account issues with extra caution.

These steps will not undo a breach, but they can limit how attackers exploit stolen information and reduce your risk going forward.

FIBER BROADBAND GIANT INVESTIGATES BREACH AFFECTING 1M USERS

Sources tell BleepingComputer the Grubhub breach is tied to extortion demands involving allegedly stolen customer support data. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Grubhub’s confirmation puts an official stamp on what sources have warned about for weeks. While the company says sensitive data was not affected, unanswered questions remain. As extortion-driven breaches rise, transparency and rapid credential rotation matter more than ever. What stands out most is how past compromises continue to create new risks. When access tokens live too long, attackers do not need to break in again. They simply walk back through an open door.

If companies stay quiet after breaches, how can customers know when it is time to protect themselves? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Technology

TikTok is still down, here are all the latest updates

Published

23 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

TikTok is still down, here are all the latest updates

Starting early Sunday morning, TikTok’s now under new ownership US arm started breaking down just a couple of days after Oracle & Co took the reins. Its For You page algorithm is suddenly unreliable, while features like comments are failing to load or loading slowly, and publishing new videos seems nearly impossible for many people.

Rumors of censorship targeting anti-ICE protesting or attempting to block discussion of Jeffrey Epstein appear to be misguided (even the governor of California is resharing misinformation now), with problems blocking traffic to all kinds of videos and messages on the service through Monday night.

Read on below for the latest updates about the ongoing TikTok problems.

Technology

Malicious Google Chrome extensions hijack accounts

Published

23 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Malicious Google Chrome extensions hijack accounts

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Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a serious threat hiding inside Google Chrome.

Several browser extensions pretend to be helpful tools. In reality, they quietly take over user accounts. These extensions impersonate popular human resources and business platforms such as Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors. Once installed, they can steal login data and block security controls designed to protect users.

Many people who installed them had no warning signs that anything was wrong.

WHY CLICKING THE WRONG COPILOT LINK COULD PUT YOUR DATA AT RISK

Cybersecurity researchers warn that fake Google Chrome extensions are silently hijacking user accounts by stealing login data and bypassing security protections. (Bildquelle/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

The fake Chrome extensions to watch out for

Security researchers from Socket’s Threat Research Team identified five malicious Chrome extensions connected to this campaign. The add-ons were marketed as productivity or security tools, but were designed to hijack accounts.

The extensions include:

DataByCloud Access
Tool Access 11
DataByCloud 1
DataByCloud 2
Software Access

We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson told CyberGuy that the extensions are no longer available on the Chrome Web Store. However, some are still available on third-party software download sites, which continues to pose a risk. If you see any of these names installed in your browser, remove them immediately.

Why malicious Chrome extensions look legitimate

These malicious add-ons are designed to look legitimate. They use professional names, polished dashboards and business-focused descriptions. Some claim to offer faster access to workplace tools. Others say they restrict user actions to protect company accounts. Privacy policies often promise that no personal data is collected. For people juggling daily work tasks or managing business accounts, the pitch sounds helpful rather than suspicious.

What these extensions actually do

After installation, the extensions operate silently in the background. They steal session cookies, which are small pieces of data that tell websites you are already logged in. When attackers get these cookies, they can access accounts without a password. At the same time, some extensions block access to security pages. Users may be unable to change passwords, disable accounts or review login history. One extension even allows criminals to insert stolen login sessions into another browser. That lets them sign in instantly as the victim.

Why malicious Chrome extensions are so dangerous

This attack goes beyond stealing credentials. It removes the ability to respond. Security teams may detect unusual activity, but cannot fix it through normal controls. Password changes fail. Account settings disappear. Two-factor authentication tools become unreachable. As a result, attackers can maintain access for long periods without being stopped.

How to check for these extensions on your computer

If you use Google Chrome, review your extensions now. The process only takes a few minutes.

Open Google Chrome
Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner
Select Extensions, then choose Manage Extensions
Review every extension listed

Look for unfamiliar names, especially those claiming to offer access to HR platforms or business tools.

WEB SKIMMING ATTACKS TARGET MAJOR PAYMENT NETWORKS

Malicious Chrome add-ons disguised as productivity tools targeted users of popular business platforms like Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors. (Photo by S3studio/Getty Images)

How to remove suspicious Chrome extensions

If you find one of these extensions, remove it immediately.

Open Manage Extensions in Chrome
Find the suspicious extension
Click Remove
Confirm when prompted

Restart your browser after removal to ensure the extension is fully disabled. If Chrome sync is enabled, repeat these steps on all synced devices before turning sync back on.

What to do after removing the extension

Removal is only the first step. Change passwords for any accounts accessed while the extension was installed. Use a different browser or device if possible.

A password manager can help you create strong, unique passwords for each account and store them securely. This reduces the risk of reused passwords being exploited again.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

Finally, review account activity for unfamiliar logins, locations or devices and be sure to follow the steps below to stay safe moving forward.

Ways to stay safe going forward

Simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.

1) Limit browser extensions

Only install extensions you truly need. The fewer extensions you use, the smaller your attack surface becomes.

2) Be cautious with add-ons

Avoid extensions that promise premium access or special tools for enterprise platforms. Legitimate companies rarely require browser add-ons for account access.

3) Check permissions carefully

Be wary of extensions that request access to cookies, browsing data or account management. These permissions can be abused to hijack sessions.

4) Review extensions regularly

Check your browser every few months and remove tools you no longer use or recognize.

WHATSAPP WEB MALWARE SPREADS BANKING TROJAN AUTOMATICALLY

Several fake browser extensions were removed from the Chrome Web Store after researchers linked them to account takeover attacks. (Photo Illustration by Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

5) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious extensions, block suspicious behavior and alert you to browser-based threats before damage occurs.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

6) Consider a data removal service

If your work or personal information has been exposed, a data removal service can help reduce your digital footprint by removing your details from data broker sites. This lowers the risk of follow-up scams or identity misuse.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

7) Avoid third-party download sites

Do not reinstall extensions from third-party websites, even if they claim to offer the same features. These sites often host outdated or malicious versions.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Browser extensions can be useful, but this research shows how easily they can also be abused. These fake Chrome add-ons did not rely on flashy tricks or obvious warnings. They blended in, looked professional and quietly did their damage in the background. The good news is that you do not need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. Taking a few minutes to review your extensions, remove anything unfamiliar and lock down your accounts can make a real difference. Small habits, repeated regularly, go a long way in reducing risk. If there is one takeaway here, it is this: convenience should never come at the cost of security. A clean browser and strong account protections give you back control.

How many browser extensions do you have installed right now that you have never looked at twice? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.