Canton Police Investigating 'Check Washing' Reports

CANTON, CT — Canton police are investigating reports of "check washing," a process that involves stealing a check, then erasing and rewriting the information on it.

"Check washing is the process of erasing details from checks to allow them to be rewritten, usually for criminal purposes such as fraudulent withdrawal from the victim's bank account," the Canton Police Department wrote on Facebook. "In most incidents the victim is unaware until contacted by the bank or when they check their account."

Police said it's likely checks are being stolen from United States Post Office drop-off boxes, so they're encouraging Canton residents to drop mail off during normal USPS office hours and to refrain from leaving checks in residential mailboxes for a long time.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is aware of the scam and is working with local police departments, officers said. Police departments in other Connecticut towns, including West Hartford, have warned their communities of check washing as well.

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of check washing is urged to call Canton Police Dispatch at (860) 693-0221.