Sarasota newspaper, magazine, news events:
In February 2026, residents of Lakewood Ranch, Florida
, were warned of a widespread “check washing” scheme targeting the community’s mail. Thieves have been stealing checks from mailboxes, using chemicals to erase the ink, and rewriting them for significantly higher amounts or to new payees.
, were warned of a widespread “check washing” scheme targeting the community’s mail. Thieves have been stealing checks from mailboxes, using chemicals to erase the ink, and rewriting them for significantly higher amounts or to new payees.
Key Details of the Scheme
- The Method: Criminals intercept outgoing mail, particularly from community mailboxes or the Lakewood Ranch Post Office. They “wash” the checks—erasing everything except the original signature—and then deposit the altered checks into their own accounts.
- Financial Impact: Several victims reported losing large sums, with one resident losing nearly $300,000. In other cases, banks managed to flag the suspicious transactions before the funds were transferred.
- Investigation: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and a U.S. Postal Inspector are currently investigating these incidents.
How to Protect Yourself
Experts and local authorities have recommended the following precautions:
- Use Indelible Ink: Write checks using a black gel pen (like a Uni-Ball 207). The gel ink contains pigments that permeate the paper fibers, making it much harder to wash away with chemicals.
- Avoid External Mailboxes: Do not leave outgoing mail in your personal mailbox or the blue USPS collection boxes overnight.
- Deliver Mail Directly: Take sensitive mail, like checks or tax documents, directly inside a Post Office or hand it to a mail carrier.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check your online banking for any suspicious pending transactions or altered check images.
If you believe your mail was stolen, you should immediately report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455
.
