LONGMEADOW — Every day in America, people stop while running errands to drop envelopes or small packages in United States Post Office mailboxes.
But according to Longmeadow Police Capt. Carl Mazzaferro, people should think twice about mailing checks.
According to U.S. Postal Service, there are nearly 1.7 million cases of mail theft every day, nationwide.
Longmeadow resident Shelly Warren found that out firsthand when a check she had written to pay a bill was stolen out of a USPS mailbox in front of 774 Longmeadow St.
Fortunately for Warren, the bank stepped in to prevent an unknown individual from cashing the check. The crime Warren experienced, check washing, happens when someone steals a check, puts it through a chemical bath to remove the pen ink, and then rewrites the check to themselves for a large amount.
Thieves steal from USPS mailboxes in one of two ways: by damaging the box to access the contents or by obtaining a key. Destruction of federal property, such as a USPS mailbox, is a federal crime, and a conviction may result in three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Theft and check washing scams happen throughout the year, but Mazzaferro said there is a sharp spike around the holiday season, when people send packages and money in greeting cards. “The holidays always bring an increased awareness to packages,” Mazzaferro said.
Mazzaferro advised that there are several steps people can take to protect themselves from such thefts. He said to pay bills online if possible. If people must write checks, Mazzaferro said gel pens should be used instead of ballpoints, because the chemical composition of gel ink makes it harder to remove from paper. If mailing checks, go into the post office to do so instead of using a mailbox, or post the mail at the end of the day, before the last pickup by post office employees. The USPS advises against sending cash through the mail.
When it comes to receiving mail and packages, Mazzaferro said people should pause their mail delivery when away from home or on vacation. Retrieving packages from doorsteps as soon as possible or asking a neighbor to pick it up will deter package thieves, commonly known as porch pirates. People can also opt for package tracking when placing an order. That way they will know when it should be delivered and know to investigate the situation if it is not received. Further, Mazzaferro said residents can request to sign for packages or pick them up at the post office.
Most importantly, Mazzaferro said, “If you see anything suspicious, call and let the police know.” Mail fraud can also be reported to the Postal Inspection Service by calling 877-876-2455.
