FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2017
Contact: Kraig Troxell, Public Information Officer, 703-771-5278
Kraig.Troxell@loudoun.gov
Alex Kowalski, Public Information Officer, 703-777-0625
Aleksandra.Kowalski@loudoun.gov
LCSO Warns Residents of Mail Theft & Check Fraud
Loudoun County, VA- A recent increase in mail theft resulting in check fraud has the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office advising residents to take steps to prevent identity theft.
The thieves are targeting residential mailboxes in neighborhoods and taking any outgoing mail in hopes of finding checks. The amount of the checks are then altered so they can be cashed at banks in the area.
In light of these thefts, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is offering suggestions on how to avoid becoming a victim of mail theft:
- Place outgoing mail in an official USPS collection box or drop off the mail at a United States Post Office or mail service store
- Utilize a Post Office Box (P.O. Box) as your primary residential mailbox
- Make payments online when available or utilize automatic electronic payment options for routine or scheduled payments
- Protect incoming mail by purchasing a USPS approved locking mailbox
- Try to retrieve your mail shortly after it is delivered. The longer the mail remains in the mailbox, the more opportunity there is for it to be stolen.
- Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 703-777-1021
If you are a resident of Loudoun County and believe you were a victim of mail theft and check fraud, please contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s at 703-777-1021 or file a report online at http://sheriff.loudoun.gov/reportonline
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