FYI from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit has observed a pattern of activity occurring within Hernando County and would like to warn citizens. There have been several recent fraud crimes committed that directly relate to mail theft. Both incoming and outgoing mail thefts have been reported. Identity theft, check theft and forgery, credit card theft, and fraudulent use of credit cards are a few of the crimes directly related to the mail theft. There have been prior arrests made and additional subjects related to this activity have been identified and are currently under investigation. This is not isolated to one geographic area, so all citizens should be on alert. Similar activity occurred several years ago, and a few subjects from that group are STILL in prison. The faster these subjects can be identified, the quicker similar crimes can be deterred. Tips to help prevent these type crimes:

1) Do not put outgoing mail in the mailbox the night before (especially if checks or personal ID information is in the envelope).
2) Use post office mail boxes or drop locations ,if possible.
3) If you have to use your mailbox ,put the mail in at the latest possible time to limit the availability to thieves. 4) If you will be out of town,put a “hold” on your mail or have someone you trust collect your mail for you. 5) If you believe you have a check/credit card that is overdue, contact your financial institution to make sure it hasn’t been delivered and/or has not been used.
6) If you make a check out to cash and put it in the mail,try to put as much detail as possible in the memo section to hopefully prevent and/or deter someone from attempting to cash it. (i.e. ,for John’s birthday, specific service, etc.).
7) If you observe a suspicious person/vehicle that appears to be driving around your neighborhood,call the HCSO (352-754-6830) with as much detail as possible. www.hernandosheriff.org SHERIFF Al Nienhuis