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2 clusters · 8 sources · 11 days · First seen · Last updated

US mail theft and check fraud escalation

Overview

Federal authorities have indicted five individuals, including three Houston postal carriers, for their alleged involvement in a check-theft scheme that generated more than $23 million over nearly six years. Prosecutors claim the scheme involved recruiting carriers to remove checks from the mail, which were then sold via an encrypted Telegram group known as ‘Slips and Chips’. One stolen check was reportedly worth $1.5 million.

In a broader context, the U.S. Postal Service has warned of a significant surge in mail theft and ‘check-washing’ fraud, noting an increase in thefts from mail receptacles since 2020. Reports from the San Francisco Bay Area highlight instances where thieves intercepted property tax payments and altered physical checks to change the amounts and names. Postal officials are urging the public to use electronic payments or hand-deliver sensitive documents to post offices to mitigate these risks.

Entities

Malcolm Joubert · Tryston Vaughn · U.S. Postal Service · Catherine Kilpatrick · BMO

Timeline

  1. 9 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources
    USPS warns of rising mail theft and check-washing fraud

    The USPS is warning of a rise in mail theft and check-washing fraud, as Bay Area residents report thieves stealing and altering checks for thousands of dollars.

  2. 19 days ago

    [CRIME] 6 sources
    Houston postal carriers charged in $23 million check-theft scheme

    Five people, including three Houston postal carriers, face federal charges for an alleged $23 million check-theft scheme involving Telegram and mail theft over six years.

Sources

6abc.com · abc11.com · abc13.com · abc7.com · abc7news.com · abc7ny.com · fox26houston.com · sfist.com