Sticky Fingers Use Sticky Paper to Steal Rent Checks

Georgia investigators are working on 30-40 cases of checks being stolen from  mailboxes and apartment drop boxes according to The Augusta Chronicle.

Staff writer Bianca Cain pens, "An investigation revealed the thieves are sliding a long, sticky paper in the drop boxes and pulling it out with the rent checks attached. Mailboxes – especially business mailboxes – across Richmond and Columbia counties have been targeted as well."

Investigator Michael Lanham is quoted as saying the thefts have been going on for several months.

“Once they get their hands on the checks, they’re either typing their name over the names on the checks or going behind (a business name) and typing ‘Attention’ and their own name,” Lanham said.

According to the article, "The checks are typically being cashed in grocery stores and then being deposited into an ATM."

Postal authorities are advising renters to hand-deliver their checks to their apartment managers or management company. They also say mail containing checks should be dropped off at post offices instead of leaving it in the mailbox to be picked up.

To read the entire article, click here.