Riviera Beach Woman Arrested in $10,000 Check Washing Scam

Overview of the Incident

On July 17, 2025, a Riviera Beach woman was arrested by Palm Beach Police for her involvement in a check washing scam that defrauded Club Colette, the oldest private dining club in Palm Beach, out of nearly $10,000.

What is Check Washing?

Check washing is a form of fraud where the payee name, dollar amount, or both are altered on a stolen check, which is then deposited into a fraudulent account. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, scammers often steal checks from mailboxes and utilize chemicals to erase the original ink.

Key Details of the Case

• Date of Incident: Check was mailed on January 29, 2025.
• Amount: Check for $9,487.50 originally meant for an ornamental iron works company.
• Alteration Date: Check was fraudulently deposited on February 3, 2025.
• Charges: The 18-year-old woman faces felony larceny charges.

How the Scam Worked

A representative from Club Colette alerted Palm Beach Police after discovering that the check had been altered and deposited into the Riviera Beach woman’s account. Here’s a timeline of events:

1. Initial Report: On April 8, Club Colette reported the fraud.
2. Detective Interview: When questioned by police on June 23, the woman claimed she was unaware of the scam and stated that her account had been closed due to fraudulent activities.
3. Bank Account Details: She admitted to sharing her bank account information with a man, allowing him to deposit the check in exchange for a share of the money.
4. Purchasing: Following the deposit, she used the funds to buy an iPhone for the man at the Apple Store in the Gardens Mall on February 14.

Evidence Against the Suspect

• Surveillance Footage: CCTV captured the man depositing the check into her account.
• Identification: The man has a record with Palm Beach and West Palm Beach Police from a prior similar crime.

Precautions Against Check Washing

To safeguard against check washing, individuals can take the following precautions:

• Mailing Practices: Ensure to drop off mail before the final daily pickup.
• Frequent Mail Retrieval: Retrieve mail often to avoid theft.
• Hold Mail: Arrange for mail to be held at the post office when out of town.

Conclusion

The investigation of this multi-county theft case highlights the increasing need for awareness around check fraud and the effective measures individuals can adopt to protect themselves. For more information on the different types of fraud, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

Take action today to secure your financial well-being by staying informed about scams and implementing best practices for handling checks.