'Numerous' Check Fraud Cases Under Investigation: Fairfield PD

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police are warning residents about recent cases of check fraud in town.

"During the last three months, numerous Fairfield residents have become victims of check fraud," the police department said in a Facebook post. "In many of these cases, the suspects drive around in search of mailbox flags that are up, and they subsequently steal the outgoing mail."

The department is investigating the fraud cases, many of which have occurred in Southport and Greenfield Hill. Police suggest the following tips for residents who have recently sent checks by mail, or plan to do so in the future:

• Do not leave outgoing mail in the mailbox overnight.
• Try to minimize the amount of time mail spends in the mailbox.
• Consider dropping check-specific mail off at the post office.
• Fill out checks in their entirety. Avoid leaving open spaces where information can be altered.
• Consider contacting the intended check recipient to confirm receipt.
• Destroy old checks and paperwork that contain an account number.
• Consider using alternative forms of payment such as online bill pay, Venmo, PayPal, etc.

Residents who have recently sent checks by mail, especially those who reside in one of the neighborhoods most affected, should monitor bank statements for fraudulent activity and contact police if check fraud is detected.