Queens Residents Warned About Mailbox Fishing Scams

NYPD urges residents to take precautions to protect checks and personal information

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:03pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a USPS blue mailbox collection slot, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the threat of mailbox fishing scams.A stark, gritty close-up reveals the vulnerability of curbside USPS mailboxes to thieves targeting checks and personal information.Queens Today

The NYPD's 102nd Precinct in Queens has issued a warning to residents about the rise of 'mailbox fishing' and 'check washing' scams, where thieves target curbside USPS collection boxes to steal checks, credit/debit cards, and personal information. The precinct is advising residents to take steps like depositing mail at the post office, using permanent ink, and shredding voided checks to protect themselves.

Why it matters

These mailbox theft and check fraud schemes have become an increasing problem across New York City, with organized criminal groups using a variety of low-tech tools to steal checks in bulk from collection boxes. The scams can lead to significant financial losses and identity theft for victims.

The details

Mailbox fishing typically involves lowering a sticky line or makeshift hook into blue USPS collection boxes to pull out envelopes. Check washing uses common solvents to remove the payee and amount fields so thieves can rewrite checks to themselves. Federal authorities say these schemes have fed organized operations that steal checks, wash or digitally alter them, then move the proceeds into third-party accounts.

  • On Saturday, the 102nd Precinct issued the warning about the rise in mailbox fishing and check washing incidents.
  • The NYPD Crime Prevention Division says these types of mailbox theft and check fraud schemes have been increasing across the city.

The players

NYPD 102nd Precinct

The local police precinct in Queens that issued the warning about mailbox fishing and check washing scams targeting residents.

Captain Pratima B. Maldonado

The commanding officer of the NYPD 102nd Precinct who posted the warning on social media urging residents to take precautions.

NYPD Crime Prevention Division

The division within the New York Police Department that provides information and guidance on common crime prevention tactics.

U.S. Department of Justice

Federal authorities that have investigated organized criminal operations stealing checks from mailboxes, washing or altering them, and moving the proceeds into third-party accounts.

FinCEN

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury that has issued nationwide alerts about a spike in mail-theft related check fraud.

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What’s next

The 102nd Precinct is urging residents to take immediate steps to protect themselves, including depositing mail at the post office, using permanent ink, and shredding voided checks. Victims of suspected mail theft should contact their bank, file a police report, and report the incident to the Postal Inspection Service and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The takeaway

These mailbox fishing and check washing scams highlight the growing threat of organized financial crimes targeting vulnerable points in the mail system. By taking proactive security measures, Queens residents can help protect themselves and their personal information from these increasingly sophisticated theft schemes.