A local firm recently advised us that they were contacted by police about incidents of mail fraud potentially affecting the firm’s clients.
When attending at a residence, police found mail that did not belong to the residents. Several of the items were from this particular law firm addressed to clients in the area. The conclusion is that the mail was stolen from several addresses, a common element being that the addresses in issue were rural addresses, i.e., a driveway mailbox, or a mailbox attached to someone’s house, i.e., not a mail slot in the door.
Though it is believed that the main reason for the thefts, being as they are at this time of year, is identity fraud because many are receiving tax documents that have personal information, it was discovered that in this matter, one item included a cheque sent to the firm’s client and the concern is that that cheques can be altered and then deposited.
None of which is to suggest that you stop sending mail to your clients. Or cheques as appropriate.
We only mention this as a reminder that not all thefts and frauds are cyber related. Old-fashioned physical theft and cheque alteration still occurs.