Foxborough police warn residents of fraud scam believed to be linked to ‘mailbox fishing’
A USPS spokesperson said blue mail collection boxes around the Greater Boston area are being replaced with newer, more secure ones.
Foxborough police warned residents Wednesday of a weeks-long check fraud scam they believe is linked to “mailbox fishing.”
The scam involves targeting standalone United States Postal Service mailboxes and using makeshift devices to fish out letters.
“The bait they seek in these letters typically includes checks, money orders, gift cards, or any type of personal or financial information,” the department wrote in a Facebook post.
https://www.facebook.com/FoxboroughPD/photos/a.505908039460090/2702885676428971/?type=3&theater
Thieves then use chemicals to alter the information on checks and other documents to cash them.
Foxborough police and USPS are investigating “several instances” of check fraud they believe are related to this kind of theft.
“We are implementing additional innovative methods throughout the Greater Boston area to safeguard the mail that include the replacement of the familiar blue mail collection boxes with modified newer units that feature security upgrades,” a USPS spokesperson said in an email.
The best way to protect your mail against this kind of crime, police said, is to deposit it inside the post office. It might also be beneficial to avoid mailing anything of value during off hours.
Police also advised residents to monitor their bank activity and make sure all checks are being cashed to the correct party.
Foxborough residents who believe they have been the victim of mailbox fishing are asked to call FPD detectives at 508-543-1212.
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