Check 'Washed' After Being Placed In Mailbox: Police Investigate

OAK CREEK, WI — The Oak Creek Police Department has some advice for people to avoid falling victim to "check washing" after they say reports of the fraud have started to come in across the Milwaukee area over the past couple of weeks.

Police suspect at least one of the checks that were "washed" and fraudulently deposited could have been dropped off at a mailbox in Oak Creek, according to Lieutenant Andrew Thorne. He said someone may have entered the mailbox, but police are still investigating.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and multiple banks are involved in the investigation. When a check is "washed," details from it are scrubbed so they can be rewritten and the check can be rerouted away from its intended recipient.

Potential victims in the case may not yet realize checks they mailed haven't been delivered. Thorne said people who suspect they may be a victim should inform their local police department and their bank immediately.

The agency said in a news release the regional reported cases of the fraud have resulted in identity theft and monetary loss. Here's the advice the agency gave to avoid becoming a victim:

• Use electronic bill payment with your bank
• Never leave outgoing mail in your mailbox
• Take all sensitive mail inside the post office
• Always use a black gel pen when writing checks
• Check your statements against your check registry

The investigation comes as other departments in the area have spoken out about the possible fraud. The Mount Pleasant Police Department recently said similar happenings may have occurred in their jurisdiction.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department posted on Facebook they have taken several calls of checks being stolen out of residential mailboxes, adding if you are mailing a check it should be dropped off at the post office.