Leesburg VA (JK) – The Leesburg Police Department is warning residents and businesses to carefully review their bank records after a recent increase in check fraud cases involving mailed payments.
According to investigators, multiple victims have reported mailing checks that were later altered or fraudulently negotiated. In several cases, the intended payee information was changed before the checks were deposited or cashed. Detectives believe additional victims may not yet realize their checks have been altered.
Police are encouraging anyone who recently mailed a check from the post office at 25 Catoctin Circle SE or placed one in a residential mailbox for pickup to examine recent bank transactions and images of processed checks.
Officials recommend verifying that both the dollar amount and payee information on cleared checks are correct, monitoring accounts regularly for unauthorized activity, and using electronic payment methods whenever possible.
Anyone who discovers a fraudulent or altered check should immediately contact their financial institution and file a police report. Prompt reporting can help investigators identify additional victims and may prevent further fraud.
The investigation is continuing in cooperation with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Anyone with information or who believes they may have been affected is asked to contact the Leesburg Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 703-771-6417, email policeinvestigations@leesburgva.gov, call the department’s non-emergency line at 703-771-4500, or submit an anonymous tip through the Leesburg Crime Tip Line.
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