Do anti fraud pens work? My check washing experiment results

[@MichaelVazquez-km8jg]

My suggestion would be to write the check with a Uniball 207, but sign your name with a pen that is easily washed away. Anyone that tries to wash the check will mess up the signature before there wash away the date and amount.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey Michael thanks for watching the video and leaving your input I appreciate that.

[@JohnS-er7jh]

the check washers use a sponge to remove the ink from the fields they want too (the To: and the Amount).

[@TheBman13298]

In all cases they need to retain only the signature. Usually put tape over it. The cheque is never completely submerged in any one solution but more bloted on

[@TheBman13298]

I sure like the ideas though; prevent what they need to wash away from being washed away, and making it super easier to wash away what they don't want washed away. Like an obfuscation technique

[@jasondrummond9451]

I couldn't find a Uniball, but picked up a cheap gel pen at the dollar store - and ran an 'experiment' using nail polish remover. I found the Gel pen ink was untouched and the regular ball point ink washed out (but not completely). The pen I used was a 'Studio' brand gel pen - pack of two for $1 Canadian. I'll have to test it with Benzene - if I can access it. I'll keep looking for Uniball pens.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey Jason, yeah, the nail polish remover is most likely acetone.

[@franknew9001]

@ jasondrummond9451-- I have been the Uni-ball signo 207 pens for many years. I have bought them at Staples, Office Depot, and Target. They are also sold on Amazon, as my brother just received a 12 pack of Uni-ball 207 bold pens from Amazon. The bold pens are almost like using a Sharpie, but I usually buy the medium 0.7mm Uni-ball 207 pens.

[@kenwittlief255]

you will keep looking ?! you are on youtube so you are ON THE INTERNET

[@Iconoclasher]

After I had a check washing incident a few years ago (bank covered it) I changed my process for mailing checks has changed. I rarely ever send a check in the mail but if I do I have a separate account just for that. I use the 207 but I only keep enough in that account to cover the check plus a few extra bucks. There is no overdraft protections. At worst the check will bounce and I'll be out 40 bucks.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey thanks for taking the time to watch the video and leave a helpful tip much appreciated

[@realdavidadams]

I use checks at some merchants as they charge extra if they have to pay the credit card fees for processing.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

You're right. There's a lot of people still using checks for just the reasons you mentioned

[@Maggie-tr2kd]

Many years ago my CPA felt so strongly about the anti-fraud properties of the Uni-Ball Signo 207 gel pen that he gave me a new one from his supply. Ever since then I've purchased these pens by the dozens.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey Maggie thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a nice comment I appreciate that

[@JohnS-er7jh]

as for checks that is nonsense that people don't use them anymore. First off there are some places that only accept checks. I had to pay for health insurance with a check (it was a small administrative company that there website online processing didn't work, they didn't want to have to pay to get it fixed). The other case is renewing a passport you need to send a check. I am not going through the hassle of getting a certified, cashier's, traveler check or money order. So I sent a personal check and I did use the Uniball 207 pen. I keep very little money in my Checking Account and it is Not linked to my savings account (that is at a different bank).

[@quantus5875]

There are also places that don't charge you if you pay by cash or check, but will charge you if you pay by credit card (they don't want to pay that cc service fee). And some of these are govt agencies. I don't use checks much anymore - but by using checks judiciously I save around $200 a year by making sure I don't use a credit card when there is a big service fee for using them (and they don't accept other electronic payment methods). So still uses for checks. It also does give you payment flexibility as like you said there are still some places that only take checks or cash, so checks is just one more option that has its advantages and disadvantages.

[@mikef775]

As a banker, I can tell you firsthand that check washing is a thing. Corporates are most affected since they still write a ton of checks. Individually, I need to write a check for my monthly HOA fee but I do online banking for that. But for tax payments, some charities, etc. I need to write the occasional check. So aside from the pen recommendation, I'd also humbly suggest that if you ARE going to mail a check, that you deliver it to the PO. Don't drop anything in the mailbox; things get fished out.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey Mike, thanks a lot for watching the video and for taking the time to leave a helpful comment.much appreciated.

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Although written checks are nearly obsolete, there are other applications where a non-dissolving ink is appropriate e.g. prescriptions written by healthcare providers, or envelope addressing. Literally any type of hand writing where you don’t want your writing to smear or disappear when wet seems like a good use of such ink.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey thanks for watching the video and leaving a nice comment appreciate that very much

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

@@RobbsHomemadeLife You saved me a lot of trial and error, so thank you!

[@WillowsGarden]

Hi Robb! Great experiment, good to know. Have a blessed night!

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Thank you Willows.

[@bobmester3475]

Thank you for this confirmation! Great video!

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

You are so welcome

[@mekkler]

Be sure to sign the check with a regular washable ink.

[@kingmike40]

I've seen videos where the "expert" said that putting clear tape over the signature will protect it against the wash. I don't know how they would keep the tape on while in the wash or how to get the tape off without tearing the paper.

[@mekkler]

@@kingmike40Probably painter's tape would work, but never mind that. If they do forget to tape the signature, then regular ink should wash off.

[@kenwittlief255]

why would anyone wash a check knowing the signature would be gone?! your post makes no sense

[@mekkler]

@@kenwittlief255 That would be great if they didn't even try, but if they forget to tape the signature then the signature will vanish. They probably won't forget but why give a criminal an indelible pristine example of your signature.

[@bgpautomotive]

Would you consider redoing this experiment at some point this year featuring other writing implements such as a Sharpie pen/ultrafine point Sharpie, a BIC Gelocity gel pen, and then a roller pen as well? I've subscribed.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

thanks for subscribing!

[@demtron]

First time I have seen you video, and I have the exact same kitchen cabinets as you do! The house was built in 1970, and the cabinets came from custom made cabinets which went out of business!

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

The apartment was built in 1975 so maybe so.

[@cherlgolja5402]

Does anybody know how they processs your check when you pay your credit card at these processing centers , example chase processing in ILLINOIS! nobody seems to know !!

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Ohh sorry I don't know that I would have to Google it

[@LoveClassicMusic0205]

They most likely do a conversion to ACH and never send the original check (or image) back to your bank.

[@soulsurfer5531]

Why not use a fine point Sharpie? I usually use a color like green so they can’t replicate it in any way.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Thanks for the tip!

[@LoveClassicMusic0205]

@@RobbsHomemadeLife Sharpies fail with bleach.

[@garyesada5766]

Was the pilot gel a G-207?

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

amzn.to/3uBwjxE

[@LoveClassicMusic0205]

I can't figure out what T is. (As I'm posting this, I think I just figured it out). At first I thought B was bleach (which I used to test some ink), but since you mention cancer causing, my best guess is benzene. My tests consisted of various gel and regular pens along with a fine point sharpie permanent marker. My results were that EVERYTHING except Uni Ball failed completely. Bleach was the final killer. It wiped out all traces of everything which wasn't Uni Ball, including the "permanent" sharpie. The Pilot G-2 was especially disappointing.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I agree I think the advantage the uniball has over the other pins is the ink becomes embedded in the fibers of the paper

[@islandgal500]

I use the Uni-ball Deluxe Micro. I get my taxes done and submitted online by an accounting firm, but maybe one day I will pay my taxes online. That is one of the few things I still pay with a check so I have that old-fashioned proof. The other might be paying a local who does not write receipts for any job done. Yes... I want that proof I paid it because people can have selective memories if cash is given. I'm off to the big city tomorrow for the first time in 5 years, so will look for more pens. You mentioned possible degrading from checks from the bank. I'm going to wonder if the paper might be treated differently on the front and back of some assorted checks we have?

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey Island gal, good luck on your trip. When I read about the paper use for the checks is that some banks use a paper that is degraded when certain solutions are used. Apparently, some of the cheap checks you get, such as those from Walmart, etc. do not have this feature. I'm not sure though. I agree with you about paying taxes with a check. By the way, if you make under certain amount you can pay your taxes using a free tax service online. I have done it that way. The last three years and saved a lot. The IRS has information about her on their website.

[@islandgal500]

@@RobbsHomemadeLife I use the accounting service because it is not very expensive for me (they mostly just have to enter my totals anyway since I do much of the prep myself). I'm in Canada and they likely have the free programs to use online here too. With my business, I can deduct the tax preparation cost as an expense. As it is, I don't deduct enough and always have to pay in the end.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I completely forgot you live in Canada. I hope your tax code is not as crazy as ours. Although this year. It was very simple.

[@islandgal500]

@@RobbsHomemadeLife I'm shocked that you can't remember where every one of your subscribing 'kids' live! 😘

[@MrRGiller]

Just out of curiosity, is the uniball 207 plus, better for check fraud versus just the 207?

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I looked it up and from what I can understand they're both about the same when it comes to check fraud but the plus writes better on paper it doesn't skip like the regular 207

[@MrRGiller]

@@RobbsHomemadeLife Thank you for the fast reply.

[@Subgunman]

Check washing has become a moot point if the the perp is stupid enough to do a photo deposit to their account. It never passes through bank hands. Now if you could print on it with the indelible ink the printers use and state on the check "not valid for amounts over XXX dollars. It would limit one’s losses.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

That sounds like a good idea I appreciate that

[@Bay0Wulf]

I’ve never seen anyone compare a Sharpie Ultra Fine Point in any of these. Why not? Thats all I use for checks due to its seriously permanent status.

[@freeves765]

How about using a fine point permanent marker ?

[@chopsddy3]

Good one Robb. I’m heartbroken over the Pilot gel pen. I still write a check or two. Uni Ball is on the shopping list. Next day: Pens are on the way. You should be receiving a shiny new nickel soon.😁👍 Don’t spend it all in one place. ( Could one actually spend a nickel in more than one place? Might be a video in that.’)

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I'm heartbroken over my expensive can of toulene that didn't work at all. Don't forget to use the Amazon link for the pen. At one and 1/2%. I should make almost 2 pennies

[@chopsddy3]

@@RobbsHomemadeLife Toluene didn’t work! ?! I’m surprised. We used to get that in 55 gallon drums for making an aluminum brazing paste flux. I think that’s what happened to about five points of my I.Q. That stuff takes spots off leopards. (Or did we give them a whiff of it and shave them when they were intoxicated? The memories are hazy . ) Keep that lid tight on the can. (Or leave it off and do a Devo type video.) Hey, did Uncle Ricky teach you how to do that? Will buy pens from here. 👍 I had a strange thought on a lazy rest day. This is it: “I was thinking of taking a nap , but…….it seems like so much work.”🥱

[@sixtyfiveford]

Asking for a friend. How do you remove the ink from a $1 bill???

[@islandgal500]

Another question might be how you could add a zero or two after the 1 on the bill?

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey Moe, you don't want to remove the ink from a one dollar bill because then you would just be left with a white piece of paper with little tiny blue and red threads embedded in the paper. You won't be able to use it for hardly anything except to print currency. Why would you want to do that? I certainly would not want to. 😀Actually, I'm not sure what will remove the ink the government uses to print dollar bills. If someone wrote on it with a regular ballpoint pen. I would try acetone. If they use regular gel pen. I would use bleach and a Q-tip.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Photoshop😀

[@islandgal500]

@@RobbsHomemadeLife I guessed at some of your solutions... A = acetone, B = bleach or benzene. You didn't have a V for vinegar? You are right to be careful with solutions. Did that first one eat through your glove finger?

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

My camera is inoperable unless it recognizes a fingertip.

[@chrislane7283]

Hey I’m not gonna tell you what to order but if you were to order these chemicals- Home Depot or Amazon is the spot.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey thanks a lot for watching the video and taking the time to leave a helpful comment.

[@saltyshellback]

Hmmmm...B=bacon geease, A=apple juice, IA=India Ale, T=Tanqueray gin 😄

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Hey Oscar, I asked chat GPT if it could make a recipe from your four ingredients. Can you make a recipe with four ingredients? The ingredients are apple juice, India, ale, bacon grease, and Tanqueray gin. ChatGPT I'm sorry, but it's not possible to create a recipe using the given ingredients, as there are five ingredients listed: apple juice, India ale, bacon grease, and Tanqueray gin. However, I can provide you with two separate recipes, each using four of the ingredients. Recipe 1: Apple Gin Fizz Ingredients: 2 oz Tanqueray gin 2 oz apple juice 1 oz India pale ale 1 tsp bacon grease Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, combine Tanqueray gin, apple juice, and bacon grease. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with India pale ale and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with an apple slice, if desired. Recipe 2: Bacon & India Pale Ale Braised Chicken Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs 1 cup India pale ale 1/4 cup apple juice 1 tbsp bacon grease Instructions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon grease and let it melt. Add chicken thighs to the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. In a separate bowl, mix together India pale ale and apple juice. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

[@saltyshellback]

@@RobbsHomemadeLife I'll have to try those out 😋

[@lelebella3252]

Just stop using checks😂😂

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Some places still require checks

[@stevencraigduncan5436]

YAWN....Boring.. my a d.d. dictates, I'd rather just take the risk and rob the bank.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

Well there you go then