Mail theft, particularly involving checks, has surged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing significant financial and identity theft issues for victims. The immediacy of this crime can lead to far-reaching consequences, especially when a stolen check is misused. Those affected need to act swiftly to mitigate losses, which could involve stopping payment on checks, closing bank accounts, and implementing preventive measures against further harm. The methods of check theft range from simple tactics, like sifting through unsecured mailboxes, to more complex schemes involving the theft of specialized USPS keys that allow thieves to access a range of mailboxes. In 2024, incidents of mail carrier robberies aimed at obtaining these keys skyrocketed by 73%, highlighting the alarming rise in this type of crime.
The implications of stolen checks can be extensive. Thieves can utilize a stolen check to commit various fraudulent activities, including check washing, where the original payee’s information is altered, and counterfeiting, in which criminals create fake checks bearing real account and routing numbers. In some cases, the stolen information can lead to identity theft, enabling thieves to apply for credit cards or create fake identities. Fortunately, there are some scenarios where the thief’s attempts may be thwarted, often due to trained bank or retail employees spotting suspicious alterations or mismatched identification presented by the fraudster.
If you are a check writer and suspect that your check has been intercepted, immediate action is essential. The first step is to contact your bank to either place a stop payment on a check that hasn’t been cashed or to inform them of a cashing incident if it has already occurred. Additionally, it may be necessary to close your existing account and open a new one with a different account number to prevent further unauthorized access to your funds. Filing a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will document the theft, and contacting check verification companies can help manage the risk of your account being misused. Furthermore, filing a police report can provide additional protection, and placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus and ChexSystems can deter further attempts at identity theft.
For recipients of checks sent through the mail, if a check hasn’t arrived within five days, there may be cause for concern that it has been lost or stolen. The first action should be to inform the sender and verify whether they have tracking available. Requesting a replacement check or new form of payment becomes crucial to ensure that you receive what you are owed. Additionally, it’s essential to file theft reports with both the U.S. Postal Inspector and local police to document the issue and potentially aid in recovery efforts.
Amid growing incidents of mail theft, it’s pivotal to take steps to proactively avoid check fraud. Transitioning from traditional checks to secure electronic payment methods can significantly reduce risk. When checks are necessary, opting for those with advanced security features, such as watermarks and security threads, can help deter alterations. Caution should also be exercised regarding outgoing mail; checks should never be left overnight in a mailbox. Various preventative strategies can be employed, including placing holds on mail during vacations and monitoring mailbox and bank activity regularly to promptly catch any irregularities.
Lastly, consumers should familiarize themselves with and utilize security features offered by their banks to better protect against fraudulent activity. Setting alerts for banking transactions can enable quick detection of any unauthorized use of accounts. Taking a multifaceted approach that includes the informed use of technology and proactive security measures can help mitigate the risks associated with mail theft and check fraud. By understanding the landscape of these crimes and implementing protective strategies, individuals can better safeguard their financial information and identities from would-be thieves.