Recent Increase In Checks Being Stolen, Fraudulently Cashed in Frederick County

The Sheriff’s Office says it’s working with the US Postal Inspection Service on these incidents.        Frederick, Md (KM) There’s been a recent increase in checks being stolen from various locations throughout the county, and being fraudulently cashed. . The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office says these checks could have been unlawfully taken from residential mail boxes, business drop boxes or other secure locations.It says it’s working with the US Postal Inspection Service in investigating these incidents.In the meantime, residents are advised to avoid mailing checks where possible, and pay their bills through electronic methods.  But if you must mail a check, place it in the mailbox as close to the scheduled pick up time as possible.Other advice includes monitoring your bank accounts regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized transactions. You should also not leave outgoing mail overnight in residential or business mailboxes. And report any stolen or altered checks to your financial institution immediately..If you’ve been a victim of check theft, contact the Sheriff’s Office or the US Postal Inspection Service.. You can call the  Sheriff’s Office at 301-600-1046. US Postal Inspection Service cam be reached at 1-877-876-2455,or go on line to www.uspis.gov.By Kevin McManus