Can Someone Steal a Check in the Mail?

Mail theft, particularly involving checks, is a significant concern. Checks sent or received through the mail can be stolen, leading to financial and personal complications. Fraudsters actively target mail to commit financial crimes. Understanding these thefts and their consequences is important for protecting one’s financial well-being.

How Checks Are Stolen

Checks can be stolen from the mail through several methods employed by criminals. A common tactic involves physically taking mail from residential mailboxes, especially those with flags indicating outgoing mail, or from USPS blue collection boxes. Thieves may also target these public collection boxes after the last pickup, allowing mail to sit for extended periods.

Another method, often referred to as “mail fishing,” involves criminals using sticky objects attached to a string or other tools to retrieve mail from inside collection boxes. Some perpetrators may even use more forceful means, like crowbars, to open older mailboxes and access their contents. Additionally, mail diversion schemes or the bribing of postal workers can lead to checks being intercepted before reaching their intended recipients.

Financial and Legal Ramifications

Once a check is stolen, criminals often alter it for their benefit. “Check washing” uses chemicals to erase the original payee and amount, allowing the thief to rewrite the check for a different sum. “Check cooking” involves digitally altering check images to create counterfeit checks for deposit.

The financial impact can be substantial for both the sender and recipient. If a stolen check is cashed, the sender’s bank account can be debited for the altered amount, leading to financial loss. Identity theft is also a risk, as stolen checks contain sensitive information like account and routing numbers. Individuals are protected from liability for forged signatures on checks, but must report fraud to their bank within a specific timeframe for the bank to be responsible. Banks are liable under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) if they charge an account for a check with a forged endorsement.

Safeguarding Your Checks

Protecting your checks from theft involves proactive measures. When sending checks, use secure, opaque envelopes. Deposit outgoing mail directly into a U.S. Postal Service collection box before the last pickup, or hand it to a uniformed mail carrier or mail it inside a post office.

For incoming mail, retrieve it promptly after delivery. Consider using online payment methods like electronic bill pay, ACH transfers, or digital wallets, which offer enhanced security features, reducing the need to mail physical checks. Regularly monitor your bank statements for any unfamiliar or unauthorized transactions.

Actions After a Stolen Check

If you suspect a check has been stolen from the mail, immediate action is necessary. Contact your bank or credit union without delay to report the incident and inquire about stopping payment on the check, especially if you were the sender. Provide your bank with all available details, including the account number, check number, routing number, payee’s name, and the check amount.

Next, report the theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which investigates mail-related crimes. Filing a police report with your local law enforcement agency is also advisable, as it creates an official record and can be helpful for disputes with financial institutions or for potential insurance claims. Continuously monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for any signs of fraudulent activity or identity theft that may arise from the stolen information.