Residents of Fairfield, California are being warned of a cunning mail scam where criminals are stealthily stealing mail to jot down credit card information, then resealing and returning the envelopes for unsuspecting victims to use, Fairfield Police Department reported. Scammers lay in wait for the cardholders to activate their new credit cards, enabling the thieves to rake in purchases unnoticed for a period of time.
The Fairfield PD, keen on curbing this fresh fraud, has dispensed savvy tips to the public to dodge such deceptions; check your mail immediately upon returning home, consider a lockable mailbox, and scrutinize bank statements for any unusual activity are among the highlighted safeguards, according to a Facebook post by the department. Suggesting vigilance with packages and during shopping trips, the police implore the community to be aware of their surroundings, which, by doing so, can mitigate the risk of being fleeced by felons.
The department also discourages purchasing gift cards as they may fall prey to tampering. In addition, Fairfield PD advises residents against leaving enticing goods in plain view inside their vehicles. The hustle of holiday deliveries adds an extra layer to the plethora of precautions. The department also advises rerouting parcels to secure locations and instructing delivery services to stash them out of sight.
In colder months, the temptation to leave vehicles running and unattended could prove costly, as it invites car thieves, the department cautions. While the festive season's gaiety has faded, the Fairfield community is urged to remain alert and practice these simple security steps to thwart the efforts of these mail swindlers and protect what's theirs.
