‘Check washing’ is now costing Americans over $1 billion each year, says USPIS — how to spot the threat and protect yourself from becoming a statistic

"...According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), "check washing" fraud is inflicting substantial financial damage on Americans. Postal inspectors report intercepting more than $1 billion in fraudulent checks and money orders annually.

Despite the rise of digital financial transactions, thieves are increasingly targeting mail containing paper checks as a vulnerable point in the system. ... we explain their tactics and how to protect yourself. ... Write smarter: When completing important documents, it's recommended to utilize gel or rollerball pens with permanent blue or black ink, as this makes alteration more difficult. Ensure you complete each field thoroughly, leaving no blank spaces. ..."    

This Article is From: moneywise.com


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Federal authorities cracking down on thefts from U.S. Postal Service collection boxes

"...Recently, four North Little Rock residents were charged by complaint in federal court with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and with mail theft following sting operations involving several Post Office collection boxes. Three of those people, Javion Trevon Dozier, 19, Gilpre Flowers, 23, and Jamoun Young, 23, were arrested Feb. 20 and were released following an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge. Officials said they are still searching for a fourth person, whose name has not been released. Federal authorities said the investigation began last spring when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Little Rock Police Department began receiving complaints from individuals and businesses in Central Arkansas that their mail was being stolen. Authorities received reports that checks were being altered as well as reports that counterfeit checks using legitimate account and routing numbers were being produced and cashed. ..."    

This Article is From: www.nwaonline.com


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Mailbox and Postal Blue Box Users: Check Washing Crime Reduction

"...Many postal blueboxes and residential mailboxes are being robbed of handwritten checks. Thieves steal these checks and wash them. Check washing is the erasing of the written amount and altering that amount..."    

This Article is From: National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 317 (NPMHU Local 317)

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