West Hartford police warn of new ‘check washing’ crime – The Bharat Express News 💥👩👩💥

The West Hartford Police Department is warning the public about thieves operating a new scam known as ‘check washing’.

Thieves who “wash” use chemicals to remove ink from checks and then write higher amounts and different recipients of funds, Capt. Eric Rocheleau said.

He said West Hartford police have received “several” complaints from residents who reported stolen checks that were altered for much larger amounts.

Some of the victims said their checks were stolen after dropping off mail and local post offices in the United States, he said.

Rocheleau said West Hartford detectives were investigating a case in which the apparent thieves used custom-made tools to remove mail from a post office box. The theft was reported by a passing resident, he said.

Rocheleau said his department was working with the postal inspector and postal police on the thefts. So far, he said, there have been no arrests.

“We recommend that mail be dropped off during business hours to try to prevent these types of thefts,” Rocheleau said. “Checks should also not be left in household mailboxes for postmen to pick up.”

He also recommended West Hartford residents check their accounts for suspicious activity. A late notice from a creditor could be a sign of a stolen check, he said.