West University police — alarmed at what they say are “multiple forgery cases” — issued a new warning Thursday (Oct. 21) about “mailbox phishing” from outside boxes at two nearby post offices and asked residents to think about changing their mailing and banking routines.
Targets have been the U.S. Postal Services boxes outside the Weslayan substation in the 5300 block of Academy Street and outside the facility in the 5200 block of Wakeforest Avenue, according the WUPD.
In the phishing scheme, thieves steal mail from the boxes looking for checks, money orders or credit cards that they can then alter and cash or use. This is the second time in recent months that WUPD has issued such a warning.
While West U detectives investigate the crimes, WUPD suggests the following to avoid being a victim:
• Drop mail containing checks directly at the post office or hand it directly to your mail carrier.
• If you use a mailbox, deposit the mail as close to the scheduled pick-up time as possible.
• When writing check use, a pen with pigmented ink that cannot be erased.
• Consider transfering money using other methods.
• If you see any suspicious activity around mailboxes, call police.
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