California Woman Loses $14,000 to Mail Theft and Check Washing Fraud As Bank Initially Refuses Reimbursement
Thieves have stolen and altered multiple checks mailed by an elderly California resident, leading to significant financial losses through check washing schemes.
The woman sent three checks that criminals intercepted and modified, including one originally for $118 to the San Francisco Rent Board that was changed to exceed $4,000, reports ABC 7 News.
Additional alterations targeted her property tax payments destined for San Mateo and San Francisco counties.
“Shocking. I’m shocked. Now I can’t trust the mailbox,” the woman stated.
Her son noted that confidence in sending physical checks has vanished.
The bank recovered funds for two of the checks but initially held the victim responsible for the third one totaling over $5,000.
Following contact with media outlets, the bank issued a refund of $5,137 and described the review as part of standard procedures.
U.S. Postal Service officials have observed a marked increase in mail theft since 2020 and advise greater caution when using physical checks.
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