{"id":2822,"date":"2019-02-20T16:18:30","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T21:18:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/tomsriver\/?p=2822"},"modified":"2019-02-20T16:18:30","modified_gmt":"2019-02-20T21:18:30","slug":"checks-are-being-stolen-from-public-mailboxes-in-toms-river-police-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/tomsriver\/2019\/02\/checks-are-being-stolen-from-public-mailboxes-in-toms-river-police-say\/","title":{"rendered":"Checks Are Being Stolen From Public Mailboxes in Toms River, Police Say"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"U.S.P.S.

U.S.P.S. Mailbox (U.S. House)<\/p><\/div>\n

Toms River police and postal authorities are investigating several cases of mail being stolen from the blue U.S. Postal Service curbside collection mailboxes, including those at the post office located on Water Street in downtown Toms River, police said Wednesday.<\/span><\/p>\n

The practice is known as \u201cmailbox fishing,\u201d said Jillian Messina, police spokeswoman.\u00a0Mailbox fishing occurs when mail thieves sift through mailed letters for checks that they can alter and fraudulently cash.\u00a0Police are suggesting that anyone who has mailed checks or will mail checks monitor their bank accounts to make sure they reach their destination and are not altered.<\/span><\/p>\n

In light of the recent thefts, police\u00a0are encouraging residents to consider using verified online bill payment services or money transfer options offered through banks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Local postal inspectors are working closely with the Toms River Police Department to investigate the recent mail thefts and identify the culprits. If you believe your mail was stolen in one of these incidents, police ask that you report it immediately by submitting an online complaint at postalinspectors.uspis.gov\u00a0<\/a>or calling 877-876-2455.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, recommends the following tips to protect your outgoing mail:<\/p>\n