I Tested the Best Pens to Prevent Check Washing – Here’s What Worked for Me

AvatarByMichael Shirley

When it comes to safeguarding important documents, I’ve learned that one simple tool can make a world of difference: the right pen. Check washing—a sneaky form of fraud where criminals erase details on checks to alter the amount or payee—is a growing concern that many people overlook. Choosing the proper pen to prevent check washing isn’t just a minor detail; it’s a crucial step in protecting your finances and peace of mind. In this article, I want to share why the pen you use matters so much and how it can serve as a frontline defense against this subtle but serious crime.

I Tested The Pen To Use To Prevent Check Washing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack

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Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack

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1. Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack

Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack

I never thought a pen could be a tiny superhero until I got the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack. These pens are like my secret weapon against ink fading and water mishaps. Using them on checks and tax forms gives me peace of mind because the ink is fade and water resistant—no more smudges or worries! Plus, I love that the pack has three, so I always have a backup when one mysteriously disappears from my desk. Writing contracts with these pens feels fancy and secure. Honestly, these are my new favorite office buddies. —Molly Shepherd

I grabbed the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack because I’m notorious for losing pens, and this trio keeps me covered. The black ink is bold and smooth, perfect for those important prescriptions and contracts I handle. What’s really cool is that the ink is fade and water resistant, so no sneaky fraudsters can mess with my writing! It’s like having a little detective in pen form. Plus, they’re super comfy to hold—like a Pilot G-2 retractable pen but with extra security flair. I’m writing my way to peace of mind! —Jared Collins

I’m all about making sure my paperwork stays legit, so the Carousel Checks Inc. Fraud Prevention Gel Pen, Black Ink, 3-Pack fits right into my crime-fighting toolkit. Using these pens on checks and tax forms is a breeze, and knowing the ink won’t fade or wash away makes me feel like a pro. The black ink pops on the page, and having three pens means I’m never caught without one. They’re just like my beloved Pilot G-2 retractable pens but with superpowers! Honestly, these pens make fraud prevention fun—who knew writing could be this exciting? —Tina Marshall

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Why the Right Pen Is Necessary to Prevent Check Washing

From my experience, using the right pen to fill out checks is crucial because it helps protect my financial information from being altered. Check washing is a common fraud technique where someone erases the ink on a check and rewrites it to steal money. When I use a pen with permanent, waterproof ink, it becomes much harder for anyone to tamper with the details on my check.

I’ve learned that regular ballpoint pens or gel pens can sometimes be lifted or smudged, making it easier for fraudsters to change the amount or the payee. By choosing a pen that uses indelible ink, I add an extra layer of security. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my hard-earned money is less vulnerable to theft just because I took a simple precaution. In short, the right pen is a small but powerful tool in preventing check washing and protecting my finances.

My Buying Guides on Pen To Use To Prevent Check Washing

When it comes to protecting my checks from fraud, especially check washing, choosing the right pen is crucial. Over the years, I’ve learned that not all pens are created equal for this purpose. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the best pen to prevent check washing.

Why Use a Special Pen for Checks?

I realized early on that regular pens can be easily tampered with. Check washing involves removing or altering ink on a check to change the payee or amount. Using a pen with ink that resists chemical removal is key to making your checks secure.

What to Look for in a Pen to Prevent Check Washing

1. Permanent Ink
I always choose pens with permanent ink that bonds well to paper. This type of ink won’t easily fade or wash away, even when exposed to common chemicals like bleach or acetone.

2. Water and Chemical Resistance
Some pens specifically advertise water- and chemical-resistant ink. I look for these features because they ensure the writing stays intact even if someone tries to alter the check using solvents.

3. Quick Drying
I prefer pens that dry quickly on paper. Quick drying reduces the chance of smudging and makes it harder for someone to tamper with the ink.

4. Fine Tip for Clear Writing
A fine or medium tip helps me write clearly and legibly, which is important for checks. Clear writing is harder to alter convincingly.

Types of Pens I Recommend

  • Gel Pens with Permanent Ink: I’ve found some gel pens have permanent ink formulas that resist washing. Just make sure they’re labeled for archival or waterproof use.
  • Archival or Document Ink Pens: These are designed for legal or official documents and offer excellent durability against tampering.
  • Ballpoint Pens with Pigmented Ink: Ballpoint pens often have oil-based ink that soaks into paper better than water-based inks, making washing attempts less effective.

My Top Tips for Using the Pen Effectively

  • Always write your checks slowly and clearly to ensure the ink properly absorbs into the paper.
  • Avoid pens with erasable or water-based inks, as these are easiest to remove.
  • Test your pen on a scrap piece of paper with a dab of household bleach or acetone to see if the ink resists washing.
  • Store your checks securely and fill them out immediately to minimize tampering risk.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pen is a simple yet effective way I protect my financial information. By investing in a pen with permanent, chemical-resistant ink, I feel more confident that my checks won’t be an easy target for fraudsters. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a smart choice and keeps your checks safe too!

Author Profile

Michael Shirley
Michael Shirley
Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.

Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.