{"id":2903,"date":"2023-07-04T13:59:55","date_gmt":"2023-07-04T13:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fraud.org\/?p=2903"},"modified":"2023-07-04T14:24:14","modified_gmt":"2023-07-04T14:24:14","slug":"check-fraud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fraud.org\/check-fraud\/","title":{"rendered":"Check fraud is on the rise"},"content":{"rendered":"

At a time when fraud has gone high-tech, with artificial intelligence being embraced to drive ever-more ingenious scams, scammers are again turning to an old-fashioned tactic: swiping physical checks from individuals\u2019 mailboxes and U.S. Postal Service collection boxes. Despite the declining usage of checks over the past several years, incidents of <\/span>mail theft<\/span><\/a> are on track to nearly double this year and <\/span>check fraud<\/span><\/a> is on the same trajectory. Considering the significant amount of money that scammers can steal via check (especially when compared to cash or digital payments), the potential harm from this trend should not be ignored.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The fraud is simple. Scammers open mailboxes flagged with outgoing mail (or they rummage through mail collection boxes) and steal envelopes they believe may contain a check. They can then douse the checks in consumer-grade chemical solutions to remove the original recipient and check amount information. Once the checks dry, the fraudsters fill in the now blank checks and address the check to themselves or an accomplice, rerouting the money away from the victim\u2019s intended addressee.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mail theft naturally jeopardizes other payment methods as well. Scammers could easily charge a stolen credit card, especially if the victim had already activated it. Additionally, money orders can be rewritten similarly to checks. One Californian reported to Fraud.org that four of their Moneygram money orders were stolen from their mailbox, with two of them successfully cashed by the thief. The crime resulted in a $2,000 loss to the victim.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re thinking about sending or receiving money in the mail, remember the following:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n