According to the Statesville Police Department, the Criminal Investigations Division has seen a significant increase in mail theft recently. Reports of larceny from mailboxes, identity theft, check and mail fraud are all on the rise. Investigations have revealed that criminals are increasingly targeting U.S. Postal Service and personal mailboxes to steal filled-out checks, credit cards, and tax forms. These items are then being sold over the internet on encrypted social media platforms or the black market. Buyers are able to alter the payee and amount listed on the checks, resulting in stolen money from a victim’s bank account, as well as stolen identity. In light of this news, the Statesville Police Department is urging individuals to take all letters containing checks or items with personal identifying information directly to a local post office, in order to ensure they reach their intended destination.
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