$20K In Checks Forged, Stolen In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — Multiple Princeton residents reported their checks totaling more than $20,000 were either stolen or forged recently.

The recent fraud was reported on Feb. 17 and 18, according to Princeton Police.

On Feb. 17 a Stockton Street resident said she mailed a check for $1,250 and it was stolen and then deposited into someone else's account.

Three more Princeton residents reported similar crimes on Feb. 18. A Ridgeview Road resident said he noticed several fraudulent fund transfers from his checking account, totaling almost $13,000.

A Nassau Street resident also reported that two checks were forged and then deposited into someone else's bank account for nearly $5,000.

An Armour Road resident reported that someone tried to cash a forged check from their checking account for around $2,500. The victim’s bank put a stop on the check before the money was withdrawn.

Earlier this month Princeton Police had warned residents to be careful when sending money or checks through the mail as close to two dozen reports of mail theft and check fraud have been reported over the past few months. (See Related: Police Warn Of Checks Stolen Out Of Princeton Postal Boxes)

"The majority of these checks have been stolen from USPS mailboxes and are then 'washed' and scanned," police said.

Residents are being encouraged to send their mail directly at an authorized post office.

Princeton Police offered the following tips to avoid "mailbox fishing":

• Consider transferring your money through other methods
• Drop mail containing checks directly at the Post Office or hand it directly to your mail carrier
• If you use a mail box, deposit the mail as close to scheduled pick-up time as possible
• When writing a check use a pen with pigmented ink that cannot be erased

To report mail theft or check fraud contact the Princeton Police at 609-921-2100.

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