Authorities in northeast Iowa are alerting the public to check fraud activity.
The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) says they have received several reports of fraud happening when payment checks are being mailed. This scam has been primarily seen when mailing payments to credit card companies.
WCSO notes that payment checks are being sent in the mail and then the criminals are intercepting, forging and cashing. In the process, the criminals are “washing” the checks and making the checks out for a larger value and then cashing the checks.
WCSO advised that this fraud is occurring at a rapid pace in Winneshiek County and surrounding counties. Please stay vigilant when sending payments via the mail or consider other payment methods.
They also caution: “please remember that no method of payment is ever 100% secure.”
Contact the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement if you experience any suspicious activity with your financial accounts.
