Just because the check’s in the mail that doesn’t mean it will get there.
In fact, the United States Postal Service Inspector (USPSI) is advising Glenview residents to monitor their financial accounts and credit profiles for fraudulent activity and to take other precautions after more than a dozen cases of “check washing” were reported in the north suburb in the last few months.
Typically “check washing” involves stealing checks from USPS mailboxes or home mailboxes, soaking the checks in a chemical solution to remove names and to increase dollar amounts then cashing the checks, authorities said.
The most recent incident was reported to Glenview police on Jan. 18 and involved the theft of more than $17,000 reports show. It says that at 2:05 p.m. Jan. 20, a resident of Northfield reported mailing a check through the U.S. Post Office in Glenview and was later notified the check was later cashed in a different name and a different amount. The estimated loss is $17,273.83. It was classified as a “forgery.”
A different report says that two days earlier says on 10:21 a.m. Jan. 18, a resident in the 3100 block of Valcour Drive, Glenview, reported mailing a check through the U.S. Post Office in Glenview and was later notified the check was later chased in a different name and a different amount. Estimated loss is $3,552.21. At least a dozen similar crimes have been reported in the north suburb dating back to September, records show. Most of the checks were stolen from the boxes outside the Glenview post office at 1400 Patriot Blvd.
Neighboring communities have reported similar crimes and in Chicago last year a check for $9.12 was washed and the dollar amount was increased to $9,900, reports show
The crimes are being investigated by the Postal Service inspector and in a reply to a request for a comment a spokesperson said their investigation is ongoing.
“In order to protect the integrity of this investigation, we cannot release specific case details at this time,” the spokesperson said. “The Postal Inspection Service maintains critically important relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, as well as with a vast network of financial institutions and bank investigators in the private sector.”
They went on to say that check fraud/check washing presents itself as a symptom, in part, of mail theft and that “without getting into our investigative tactics, techniques, and procedures,” the most important piece of any investigation is a descriptive and timely victim notification to law enforcement.
“The sooner we know about the crime, the better we can analyze trends, gather evidence, develop and apprehend suspects, and prevent additional illicit activity,” the spokesperson said.
They also offered advice to residents to avoid being victims including:
— Do not let incoming or outgoing mail sit and accumulate in your mailbox.
— Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items.
— If you do not receive a check or other valuable mail, contact the issuing party as soon as possible.
— Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to have a better idea of what mail you can expect delivered to you each day.
— Monitor your financial accounts and credit profiles for any fraudulent activity, even if you are not a victim of mail theft. Early detection is so important! In that vein, consider credit freezes with the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).
“So your readers are aware, the Postal Inspection Service conducts investigations into mail theft, mail fraud, financial crimes, violent crimes, prohibited mailings (weapons, drugs, etc.),” they said “Like any law enforcement agency, however, the success of our investigations often correlates with the timeliness of victim reporting. As such, I would urge any victim of mail theft to contact local law enforcement and the Postal Inspection Service as soon as possible so we can better investigate the crime and hold those responsible to justice.”
They also said that in addition to the agencies 24/7 agency hotline telephone number (877-876-2455 where customers can file a report) residents can do the same on the agency’s website (www.uspis.gov) and the Chicago Division X page (www.twitter.com/uspis_chi).
“The U.S. Postal Services delivers over 150 billion pieces of mail a year to over 150 million addresses all throughout the country,” they noted. “Sending mail is actually one of the most secure ways to send information and commerce.”
Brian L. Cox is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
