Check Washing Complaints On The Rise: Middletown Police

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown Police said they are working with the United States Postal Inspectors to investigate increased check-washing complaints.

Over the past six months, there has been an increase in check washing, police said.

Check washing occurs when people steal checks that are usually sent in the mail and then fraudulently deposit or cash the checks. Checks could also get into the wrong hands, and the information on them is then used to print fake copies of checks, which are then used to obtain fraudulent funds, police said.

Middletown police recommend several ways to not fall into the scheme.

• Avoid leaving checks in your residential email box to be sent out.
• Pay bills online using an online bank service or credit card.
• If you must mail a check, it is best to take it to the nearest post office. Then, hand it directly to the post office clerk or slide it through the outgoing mail slot inside the post office.
• Do now allow delivered mail to stay in your mailbox, and collect your mail each day. If you will be away, have the USPS hold your mail.
• Closely monitor your bank account and report discrepancies to your bank.

Police said they are working closely with the US Postal Service Inspectors on the case to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.

If you've been a target of check washing or mail theft, you should report it to the Middletown Police and the US Postal Inspection Service (1-877-876-2455).