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Madison, Wisconsin — Mail and check fraud is on the rise in the Madison area, according to Crime Stoppers.
Criminals can steal emails, intercept checks from mailboxes, and gain access to personal and financial information. In some cases, criminals change check amounts and names to steal funds. This is called check washing.
“Mail and check fraud is a serious crime. [devastating] Madison Area Crime Stoppers spokesperson Tyler Grigg said: “We encourage residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers to send us your tips.”
In light of this rising trend, Crime Stoppers provided some tips for residents.
Consider increased security
Instead of throwing away bank statements or credit card offers that contain personal or financial information, try shredding or destroying them.
Also, deposit checks with a bank or credit union rather than mailing them. You may also consider using a locked mailbox or post office box to keep your mail more secure.
However, if you’re still using your regular mailbox, make sure to delete the emails immediately after delivery, if you have the means.
When buying checks, you can also get ones with security features that make the checks more resistant to laundering.
Monitor your account
If you use online or mobile banking, be sure to check your account balance and transaction history. One way to better monitor this is to sign up for account alerts that notify you of suspicious activity. Whenever you receive a credit report, it’s important to check it regularly for fraud.
If you see suspicious activity on your account, you should contact your bank or credit union immediately.
be careful
Always be alert if you receive unsolicited phone calls or emails requesting personal information. Also, watch out for unexpected checks and money orders.
For more information about mail and check fraud, please visit the Federal Trade Commission or US Postal Inspection Service websites.
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