Crime Alert: The Wellesley Police Department is receiving an influx of mail theft-related check fraud reports.
Recent investigations show that mail thieves have obtained keys to blue USPS mailboxes. Checks are stolen from the mail and are altered, rewritten, and deposited into various bank accounts.
Since checks contain personal information and bank account numbers, this information can easily be sold online if checks fall into the wrong hands.
WPD is advising residents to not use the customary blue mailboxes to mail letters and checks. This includes leaving letters in your mailbox for a letter carrier to pick up. Instead, residents should physically go to a Post Office and mail letters from inside the building.
WPD is working with other law enforcement agencies on this issue. The incidents of mail theft and check fraud remain under investigation.