Postal Inspectors foil ‘fishing’ scheme

U.S. Postal Inspectors in New York, NY, came upon a “fishing” scheme while investigating customer complaints in the Bronx.

New York Division Inspectors were notified of a string dangling from a blue collection mailbox. At the end of the string was a piece of cardboard covered with a sticky substance.

Thieves use devices to pull mail that sticks to it from collection boxes. They’re looking for financial documents — such as checks and money orders — they can alter, adding a different payee or amount before cashing them.

Inspectors are familiar with this kind of mail theft. Two years ago, they arrested suspects accused of stealing more than 700 money orders worth $300,000. The fishing activities then victimized more than 300 customers.

“These illegal activities rob the Postal Service of revenue and diminish public trust in the mail system,” said Public Information Representative Donna Harris.

The Inspection Service says employees can help keep the mail safe by contacting their supervisors and Postal Inspectors if they find devices dangling from or inside a blue collection box, or if they see a sticky substance — like glue — around the mail door or slot, or notice any other signs of a compromised collection box.

via USPS News Link Story – Hook, line and sinker.