The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is noticing an increasing amount of mail theft being reported throughout Shawnee County. Subjects are removing incoming and outgoing mail from mailboxes looking for checks, credit cards, bank statements, social security numbers, and any other type of information to steal your identity and/or money. These individuals are forging checks, as well as, manufacturing checks using the victim’s identity. Credit cards have stolen and are being used shortly after to make large purchases.
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is asking citizens to be aware of the increasing number of mail thefts in our community and to take precautions to prevent them from becoming victims:
Prevention Tips:
1. When mailing anything containing account numbers, personal infromation or checks, take them to your local post office or hand deliver them to your postman.
2. Have anything sent to you containing account numbers, personal infromation, credit cards or checks sent to a P.O. Box at your local post office.
3. Inform your UPS, DHL or Fed Ex driver not to leave packages at the residence when you are not home, this is an open invitation to burglars.
4. If you go on vacation have your neighbors collect your mail DAILY or ask the post office to hold until you return home.
5. Do not place any mail in your mailbox overnight.
6. Report mail thefts to your local Law Enforcement agency.
7. Be cautious of suspicious vehicles and report anything suspicious to your local Law Enforcement agency.
