With all the buzz about cyber scams, it is often assumed that mailing a paper check for payment via the United State Postal Service remained safe.  Until now!

The latest scam involves the theft of checks from the “blue boxes” used to collect mail.  The thief removes the envelope containing a check from the U.S. mail collection box, takes the check and alters the payee on the check, then cashes the altered check electronically..  OBLIC received several reports of this activity from reliable sources, including a policyholder!

To help prevent being scammed:

• Consider using electronic payment via a secure network
• If you still send a paper check, mail your check in a secure envelope that doesn’t indicate there’s a check inside
• Don’t leave an envelope with a check inside in the mailbox for pickup
• Deposit your payment envelope only inside the post office through a mail slot directly into the collection bin
• Always timely review banking transactions to verify accuracy
• Alert your bank of questionable or fraudulent transactions
• If you think you have been a victim of a scam involving the U.S Mail, click for information on how to contact the U.S, Postal Inspection Service

If you have any questions about this or any other loss prevention topic, please contact:

Gretchen Koehler Mote, J.D.,

Director of Loss Prevention
Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company
Direct Phone Line: 614.572.0620