TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning us about digital checking scams.
Moody says fraudsters altering checks, a crime known as check cooking, are stealing thousands from Floridians. In one case, a Tampa man took more than $50,000 through check manipulation. He faces up to 30 years in prison.
Crooks often steal checks from mailboxes, particularly residential boxes where the flag is up for a pickup by the postal carrier. The fraudsters then take pictures of the checks, giving them authentic bank watermarks. Then they use photo editing software to change names, payment amounts and other information, creating counterfeit checks.
Moody has these tips to avoid getting burned by check cooking: Watch your mailbox and your neighbors to prevent check theft, monitor your bank accounts and statements, and beware of unexpected delays when the check is in the mail. Contact financial institutions about using e-checks, and report any check scams to law enforcement.
Watch a video from Attorney General Ashley Moody below:
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