FRANKLIN — The Franklin Police Department Detectives, in collaboration with the Postal Inspection Service, are investigating a series of check thefts from outside blue mail drop boxes, including the drop box at the Main Street Post Office, officials said Monday.
According to authorities, a postal employee was robbed of a key to these boxes, resulting in multiple incidents where residents’ checks, intended for mailing, were stolen.
The suspects have been illegally accessing the boxes, removing all contents, and targeting checks to “wash” them.
This fraudulent process involves altering the checks’ amounts and the payees before depositing them, costing victims thousands of dollars.
In light of these events, local residents and users of the Main Street Post Office are urged to exercise caution when utilizing the outside drop box.
To avoid falling prey to this check scam, individuals are encouraged to use the drop box inside the Post Office or seek alternative methods for sending checks and sensitive mail.
The Franklin Police Department is asking anyone who notices suspicious activity around the post office to report it immediately by calling 508-528-1212.
