Rock Rapids, Iowa — The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people that the mail is not as safe as you might assume, and to keep that in mind when doing financial transactions through the mail.
A recent social media post by the sheriff’s office says they have recently had a few incidents in which it appears that checks were stolen from mailboxes, the “Payable To” was changed, and the checks were deposited fraudulently.
Law enforcement officers are suggesting that you verify that mailed checks are deposited and your corresponding bill is recorded as paid. They say that if it is a larger check for a loan payoff or something similar, you can consider delivering it in person or paying electronically.
The post does go on to say that ultimately, for the volume of checks that get put in mailboxes and sent daily, it is only a small number that get stolen, but they say it is good to be aware.
KIWA Staff Photo
