After learning of more than a dozen reports of checks being stolen from local U.S. Postal Service mailboxes over the last few months, the Chapel Hill Police Department is warning residents to take precautions.
In the Town of Chapel Hill’s weekly newsletter, the police department said the USPS is investigating 18 reports of checks being stolen since July from mailboxes at the South Estes Drive and Weaver Dairy Road post offices.
Chapel Hill Police are supporting the investigation of mail theft, and offered tips to residents in the meantime. The department recommended paying bills online whenever possible, and using a secure payments system to do so — and following several tips for when people have to write and mail a paper check. Writing “for deposit only” on the endorsement area, using a security pen with non-washable ink, and using a security or extra-taped envelope are ways to deter mail or its contents from being stolen.
On its website, the U.S. Postal Service suggests giving mail directly to your neighborhood’s mail carrier or ensuring your mail gets put into the outdoor mailboxes before the last pick-up of the day. It also recommends never sending cash or large amounts of money over check without sending it as certified or priority mail, since those methods have tracking features and occasionally require signatures.
For both check senders and recipients, Chapel Hill Police suggest confirming whether the mail has been sent or received. If a check is lost or stolen, notify the respective bank immediately and file a police report. USPS also recommends filing a report on its website.
Featured photo via AP Photo/Nati Harnik.
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