Residents in Gilroy are confronting a surge in mail theft and check fraud, a situation that has worsened over recent months. Several community members have experienced the theft of checks after depositing their mail at the USPS office's outdoor receptacles. Thieves appear to be targeting checks, washing and altering the amounts before cashing them in for a profit.
While the police, alongside the United States Postal Inspector, continue to unravel the mystery of these thefts, it seems that the checks are being tampered with after entering the blue drop-off boxes. The exact method of retrieval used by the perpetrators remains undetermined, leaving many to worry about the security of their mailed payments. "An active investigation is underway in partnership with the United States Postal Inspector," stated the Gilroy Police Department in their social media update.
In response to this rising tide of financial crime, the Gilroy Police have urged locals to consider safer alternatives for handling transactions. They recommend using digital payment options or paying bills online when feasible. For those needing to write checks, the use of black gel ink, which has a reputation for being difficult to wash, has been advised alongside vigilance in avoiding any blank spaces that could be exploited for fraud.
Furthermore, the police suggest using cashier's checks when appropriate. As these are made out to a specific payee and can be traced, they offer an added layer of security. "Consider using a bank issued Cashier’s check -- they are traceable and made out to a specific payee and can be a more secure process," explained the Gilroy Police Department. Gilroy residents are also encouraged to regularly review their bank statements and report suspicious account activity immediately.
