CORTLAND, NE – The Gage County Sheriff’s Office is sounding the alarm following reports of sophisticated mail theft and check fraud targeting local residents. Two residents in the Cortland area recently fell victim to a scheme known as “check washing,” prompting a multi-agency investigation.
According to sheriff’s deputies, both victims had placed envelopes containing checks into the mail to pay legitimate bills. However, at some point during transit, the envelopes were intercepted by unknown suspects. The thieves then used chemicals to “wash” the ink from the checks—erasing the original payee and the dollar amount—before rewriting them for much larger sums and cashing them at out-of-state banks.
A Growing Regional Trend
The Gage County Sheriff’s Office noted that these incidents are not isolated to Cortland. “We are aware of similar thefts occurring throughout Nebraska,” a spokesperson for the office stated. Because the crimes involve the interference of federal mail, local investigators are now working in tandem with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to track down the suspects.
How to Protect Your Mail
With check fraud rising nationwide, authorities are urging Nebraskans to change their mailing habits to avoid becoming the next target.
Recommended Safety Measures:
- Use Secure Drop-offs: Instead of using your home mailbox or an outdoor blue collection box, take outgoing mail directly inside your local post office.
- Switch to Gel Pens: Use pens with non-erasable gel ink (specifically black). Gel ink permeates the paper fibers, making it significantly harder for criminals to “wash” without damaging the check.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Check your bank statements daily through mobile apps to ensure that any checks you have written are cashed by the intended recipient for the correct amount.
- Retrieve Mail Promptly: Do not leave mail in your box overnight. If you are going out of town, request a “mail hold” through the USPS website.
