Albany Police investigate stolen check thefts
ALBANY, Ga. – The Albany Police has been receiving reports of people having their checks stolen. We spoke with one investigator about how this scam has been costing people money.
The investigator in question we spoke with is Lieutenant Jon Segroves with the Albany Police Department (APD).
And, he says that this issue isn’t unique to one chain of banks.
“This has actually affected all the banks in town. All the banks in the area. We’ve had a large issue with U.S. Mail being stolen from post office boxes and things like that. What happens is people mail checks, which isn’t a good idea,” said Lt. Jon Segroves, Profit Crime/Theft Unit, APD.
Unfortunately, the amount of money that’s been lost through this scheme isn’t available as the investigation is ongoing.
But, as Lieutenant Segroves tells us, it’s been varying amounts.
“It’s been a large amount of money, but it’s also been a varying amount of money. It all depends on whether… Some victims are victims of $50, and some are victims of much more. So, when you have multiple victims of course, the figure does go up…” said Lt. Segroves.
However, it’s still a major issue as people are losing money for simply trying to send someone a check.
And, potentially turning a profit in no time flat.
“These checks will be gotten and gone through by whoever steals them, they can be washed and changed and all that. And, people will open accounts, deposit money and withdraw the money rather quickly. And that’s part of how the scheme works,” said Lt. Segroves.
While it may seem difficult to not get taken advantage of in this situation, there are solutions.
“…We ask the public not to do is don’t mail checks. You set yourself up sometimes for being a victim, but if you could possibly pay electronically, if you can pay in person, if you can find some other way; don’t mail any financial documents through the U.S. Mail,” said Lt. Segroves.
As the police continues to investigate, Lt. Segroves wants to reiterate that if you do end up sending a check by mail, to follow up and make sure that money doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
If you believe you’ve had your check stolen, Lt. Segroves also suggests contacting your bank in order to catch these issues.
Brian Roche reporting.
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