STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — Law enforcement in Portage County is investigating a rash of stolen checks.
WAOW TV reports that one business has lost an estimated $18,000 because of stolen checks, according to Stevens Point PD Lieutenant Joe Johnson
“They take the checks from a personal or business mailbox and alter them with a forged name to get a payout causing financial losses,” Johnson told WAOW.
He says you can protect yourself by paying bills electronically to eliminate the risk associated with mailing checks.
If you must pay by check through the mail consider dropping it off at a secure mailbox in a safe area or at the post office directly. If you’re mailing from your home put the checks in your mailbox as close to your mail pickup time as possible. Do not leave checks in your mailbox with the flag up overnight.
Anyone with information on the scheme is asked to contact Portage County Crimestoppers one of three ways:
- Call: 1-888-346-6600
- Tap the App: P3 Tips (Search P3 Tips in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app to your mobile device)
- Type: Submit a tip online here
Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
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