Retired Greensboro Teacher Scammed, Bank Reverses Decision After News Inquiry

Family says fraud claim initially denied due to filing delay, highlighting growing concerns over check washing scams nationwide.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, partially washed check, with the ink faded and the details obscured, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the crime.A retired teacher's savings nearly wiped out by a check washing scam, exposing the growing threat of financial fraud targeting vulnerable individuals.Greensboro Today

Verdie Kendall, a retired Greensboro teacher, nearly lost thousands of dollars from her bank account after falling victim to a check washing scam. Her family discovered someone had altered her $40 check to the North Carolina Association of Educators, increasing the amount to $2,310. Truist Bank initially declined to reimburse the stolen funds, citing the family's delay in filing the fraud claim. However, after the local news station News 2 reached out to the bank, Kendall's savings were restored within days.

Why it matters

This incident underscores the growing problem of check washing scams, where criminals chemically remove ink from checks and rewrite them for higher amounts. As more people rely on paper checks, especially for charitable donations and other payments, these types of fraud cases are on the rise nationwide. The story also highlights the importance of regularly reviewing bank statements and promptly reporting any suspicious activity to avoid significant financial losses.

The details

Kendall, a retired Greensboro teacher and school principal, wrote a $40 check to the North Carolina Association of Educators. Somehow, the check was altered through a check washing scam, increasing the amount to $2,310 and made payable to someone named Sarah Bruce. Kendall's family discovered the fraudulent activity while reviewing her bank statements, but Truist Bank initially declined to reimburse the stolen funds, citing the family's delay in filing the fraud claim.

  • Kendall wrote the original $40 check in early 2026.
  • The altered $2,310 check cleared Kendall's account in early 2026.
  • Kendall's family contacted News 2 for help in April 2026.

The players

Verdie Kendall

A retired Greensboro teacher and school principal who fell victim to a check washing scam that nearly emptied her bank account.

Dwain Kendall

Verdie Kendall's son, who discovered the fraudulent activity while reviewing his mother's bank statements.

Truist Bank

The bank where Verdie Kendall has been a customer for years, which initially declined to reimburse the stolen funds.

News 2

The local news station that intervened on Verdie Kendall's behalf, leading to the bank reversing its decision and restoring her savings.

Sarah Bruce

The individual named on the altered $2,310 check that cleared Verdie Kendall's account.

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What they’re saying

“We discovered someone had taken money out of my account.”

— Verdie Kendall, Retired Greensboro Teacher

“I went through her bank statements and saw a check for $2,310.”

— Dwain Kendall, Verdie Kendall's Son

“What they did was wash the check.”

— Dwain Kendall, Verdie Kendall's Son

“I felt someone put money in a bank should be protected. But apparently the bank didn't think so.”

— Verdie Kendall, Retired Greensboro Teacher

“Wasn't getting anywhere.”

— Verdie Kendall's Family Member

What’s next

Kendall and her family hope that by sharing her story, it will help raise awareness about check washing scams and encourage others to regularly review their bank statements and promptly report any suspicious activity.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of check washing scams, which can have devastating financial consequences for victims. It underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring bank accounts and the need for banks to have robust fraud detection and customer protection measures in place.