EAGLE LAKE — The First National Bank of Eagle Lake issued a warning about the recent increase in mail theft and check washing as reported by the FBI and U.S. Postal Service.
Thieves alter stolen mail to access funds before the fraud is detected.
Criminals steal checks by taking mail from mailboxes left overnight, removing checks from blue USPS collection boxes after the last pickup, during delivery, or by targeting postal facilities and employees.
Check washing involves using chemicals to erase ink on stolen checks and rewriting them with a different payee and amount before depositing. How can you protect yourself? Pick up mail promptly after delivery.
Avoid leaving outgoing mail in your mailbox overnight. Use indelible black ink pens when writing checks.
Drop your mail at the post office or just before collection times.
Keep an eye on your bank account and use online payments or ACH transfers.
