New Canaan Police Warn Residents To Beware Of Check Thefts

NEW CANAAN, CT — Police warn New Canaan residents to beware of check thefts in light of tax bills being sent out this month, according to the department.

In a recent Facebook post, police reminded residents that property and motor vehicle tax bills have been sent out in the mail.

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"While one of the options to pay these bills is through a check, we want to remind residents about the risks of mailing checks," the department wrote on Facebook.

According to police, checks are often stolen from mailboxes and USPS drop boxes, especially around this time of year when criminals know there is likely an increase in checks being mailed due to these tax bills.

Checks are then "washed," which means the name on the check and amount are altered and the resident's funds end up in someone else's bank account, according to police.

"Now and any time you pay by check, we highly suggest you bring the check in person to where the payment is going or that you bring the check directly into the post office to be mailed," police wrote.

Residents can also make payments online, police noted.