Latest Type of Mail Fraud Is Actually an Old-School Scam

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Criminals Revive Old-School Paper Check Fraud

   Fraudsters are stealing paper checks and altering them using nail polish remover and household cleaners. This scheme targets Social Security beneficiaries, unemployment recipients, and taxpayers. Law enforcement and banks are issuing warnings about the resurgence of this mail theft.

   What's confirmed:

   • Criminals use household cleaners and nail polish remover to alter stolen paper checks.
   • This fraud targets taxpayers, unemployment recipients, and Social Security beneficiaries.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Mail theft is returning in an age of ransomware.
   confidence 90%
2. 3d ago

   Nationwide Surge in Mail Theft and Check Washing Fraud

   Criminals are using household cleaners and nail polish remover to alter stolen paper checks. This fraud targets taxpayers, unemployment recipients, and Social Security beneficiaries. Financial institutions and law enforcement are warning the public as these old-school scams return.

   What's confirmed:

   • Criminals use nail polish remover and household cleaners to wash stolen checks.
   • Check fraud is targeting Social Security and unemployment recipients as well as taxpayers.
   • Financial institutions are warning consumers about a growing wave of mail theft and check fraud.
   • Local and federal law enforcement are investigating strings of check fraud cases.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Check washing is a $1 billion problem.
   • The Social Security Administration warns of fake Supreme Court letters demanding money from seniors.
   • Leesburg Police warned residents to review mailed checks after a spike in fraud cases.
   confidence 90%