Complaints Of Stolen Checks Increase In Glastonbury: Police

GLASTONBURY, CT — Glastonbury police have been receiving a high number of complaints of checks stolen from post office boxes, they said.

"Criminals will steal checks from these mail boxes and alter the payee and amount in order to steal money from victims' bank accounts," Glastonbury police wrote on Facebook.

The practice is commonly known as "check washing," and police said victims are often alerted of the scheme when the person they were paying doesn't receive the check intended for them.

To combat check washing, police urged residents to drop off mail that contains sensitive information and/or monetary value over-the-counter inside a post office.

The Glastonbury Police Department is working with the U.S. Postal Inspectors to investigate the thefts, and anyone who thinks they've been victimized should contact them at 860-633-8301.

Reports of check washing have been popping up statewide: Police in Canton, West Hartford and more Connecticut towns have warned their residents of the practice and urged them to take precautions against it.