WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A New York woman has been charged in a Washington Township check washing case involving a stolen and altered check originally valued at $1,000, authorities said.
On May 8, 2025, the Washington Township Detective Bureau issued an arrest warrant for a woman residing in the Bronx, New York, on charges of third-degree forgery and third-degree receiving stolen property (Check Washing), police said.
The investigation began on February 4, 2025, when a Long Valley resident filed a report with the Washington Township Patrol Division involving a stolen check. During the investigation, it was discovered that the check, originally written for $1,000.00, had been stolen from the mail and altered (washed) to reflect an amount of $9,986.32, police said.
Detectives, working in coordination with the victim’s banking institution and other law enforcement agencies, identified the suspect. It was determined that the altered check had been deposited into a bank account linked to the woman in question.
Upon her arrest in the Bronx, New York, the woman, who has not been identified, will be scheduled for a mandatory court appearance in Morris County Superior Court.
Police offer the following ways to help safeguard against “Check Washing”:
- Write Checks with Indelible Black Gel Ink – Use black gel ink pens, as their ink bonds with paper and is more resistant to chemical alteration than standard ballpoint pens. Avoid using blue or light-colored ink, which is easier for criminals to erase.
- Mail Checks Securely – Whenever possible, deposit checks inside the post office or in a blue USPS collection box just before the scheduled pickup time. Avoid leaving outgoing mail in your home mailbox overnight or over the weekend, as it increases the risk of theft.
- Actively Monitor Your Bank Accounts – Set up real-time alerts through your bank for all transactions via text or email. Review your account regularly and report any unauthorized or suspicious activity immediately.
“Report suspicious activity immediately,” police said.
