Check fraud scam

PRESS RELEASE – The White County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in check fraud, which involves checks being stolen and altered.

These incidents are being investigated and are part of a bigger problem being seen throughout the country called “check washing”.

The crime involves a person(s) stealing mail in bulk looking for checks made payable to recipients.

Once they have recovered a check, they use chemicals to remove the payee and the original dollar amount on the check.

They then rewrite the stolen check for a higher dollar amount to a payee, who usually has a fake identity and account.

Please consider the following when making a payment:

• If possible, utilize online banking options to pay for a bill.
• If you mail out a check, please utilize a black ink gel pen and drop off the payment inside the Post Office.
• Check your account regularly for any suspicious transactions.
• If you are a victim of a check(s) being stolen, please report the incident to your bank, the Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspector’s Office at 1-888-USPS-OIG (1-888-877-7644), immediately.