Foxborough Police warn of the dangers of mailbox fishing. (Foxborough Police)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Police in Foxborough are warning that crooks are using crude fishing poles with something sticky on the end to steal mail from standalone US Postal Service boxes.
They're hoping to reel in checks and gift cards, but Foxborough Police Detective Patrick Morrison tells WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal that's just the first step.
"They're then taking those items and using chemicals to alter the ink that's made out on those checks," he said. "They're changing the amount, they're changing the name, or both. Then what they're doing is, they're taking those checks, depositing them into imposter accounts, and cashing them for profit."
Foxborough Police said the US Postal Service is investigating the thefts as criminal offenses.
So, what can you do?
Police say you should watch your bank account—and as you head into the holiday season, make sure gift cards and checks you send actually arrive.
Also, you can make it a point to go into a Post Office to drop off mail during business hours.
If you live in Foxborough and think you've been a victim of mailbox fishing, the department would like you to call their detective division at 508-543-1212.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports
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