Check Fraud Alert Issued to Page County Residents
LURAY Va. — The Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is warning local residents to remain vigilant when receiving or sending checks through the U.S. Mail.
Recently, the PCSO received information from a financial institution regarding an increase in suspected check fraud, also known as “check washing.”
According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, check washing scams involve stealing checks, changing payee names (and often the dollar amounts) and fraudulently depositing them. Additional information via the video, below.
Ways to Protect Yourself
Deposit outgoing mail in blue collection boxes or at your local post office.
Never leave mail in your mailbox overnight.
If you’re going on vacation, have your mail held at the post office or have it picked up by a friend or neighbor.
Sign up for “Informed Delivery” — a free USPS service that will send photos of your incoming mail via phone or app.
The PCSO advises anyone who experiences mail theft to contact local law enforcement or the USPS to file a report as soon as possible.
The non-emergency PCSO number is (540) 743-6571. USPS mail theft reports may be filed HERE or by calling 1-877-876-2455.