Local banks see increase in check fraud

Several central Missouri banks are seeing an increase in fraudulent checks being presented for cashing or depositing to open a new account.

According to Central Bank of Boone County Senior Vice President Mary Wilkerson, most of these fraudulent checks are a result of mail theft. In the release, Wilkerson advised that criminals are stealing both incoming and outgoing mail from mailboxes to locate checks that may be enclosed. They then use information from checks they find to alter the checks or create other fraudulent checks.

Residents are advised to check their accounts regularly, pay bills electronically, drop bill payments in USPS mailboxes, and alert your banking institution to anything you feel is suspicious.