Mail Theft and Counterfeit Check Fraud
Category
Business and Email
Affects
Residents and businesses
Status
Ongoing
Source
Reno Police Department and FBI
Stolen mail lets criminals wash or copy checks and steal identities. Reno Police reported a counterfeit check operation in Washoe County that used information from lost and stolen checks and ID cards to hit local businesses. The FBI warns that mail-theft-related check fraud is rising nationwide.
How it works
- Checks are stolen from mailboxes, drop boxes, or vehicles.
- Payee names and amounts are chemically altered (check washing) or the check image is copied and reprinted (check cooking).
- Counterfeit checks are cashed or deposited at businesses and banks.
Red flags
- Checks with smudged ink, mismatched fonts, or changed payee names.
- Customers paying with a check for an unusual overpayment and asking for a refund.
- Bills or statements that did not arrive.
What to do
- Use online bill pay or hand outgoing checks to a postal carrier or post office counter.
- Check account activity often and set up bank alerts. Ask your bank about positive pay for a business.
- Report mail theft to USPS Postal Inspectors and file a police report.
Already paid or shared information? See the step-by-step checklist and the list of places to report. You can also report to the FTC or the FBI IC3.
Sources
Reno Police counterfeit check ring (News 4) · FBI: Mail theft related check fraud is on the rise
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Posted solely for community awareness. This is not an official government or law enforcement notice, and High Sierra Cyber is not affiliated with any agency named here. Board last updated October 10, 2026. Details, phone numbers, and policies change, so confirm with the official agency before acting. Submitted reports are unverified. General information only, not legal or financial advice.