Posted 7/1/24

The Giles County Sheriff’s Department would like the public to be aware of the recent increase in mail theft and check fraud.

Sheriff Helton says that Deputies have noticed the increase in mail thefts and fraud cases occurring countywide, and unfortunately, by the time these incidents are reported to law enforcement, the small business has already suffered financial loss.

Sheriff Helton recently spoke with local Bank of Frankewing Branch Manager, Ben Jackson, who also shares this concern. “Our bank is seeing a rash of checks being stolen from local small business mailboxes. These checks are typically written by small businesses to pay various bills, then the perpetrators will alter the "payable to" section of the check, and cash or deposit the checks at another bank outside of Giles County."

Sheriff Helton offers a few tips to help our community prevent being victimized…

Outgoing mail, particularly payments, can be taken directly to the post office and/or deposited into the blue USPS Collection boxes around town.

Confirm receipt of checks sent through the mail with recipient.

Retrieve mail frequently and never leave your mail in your mailbox overnight.

If you’re going on vacation, have your mail held at the post office or have it picked up by a trusted friend or neighbor.

Check your bank statement regularly to make sure that checks and the amounts are accurate and have cleared the bank to the correct recipient.

Report suspected fraud immediately.