Bibb County Sheriff’s Office warns of ongoing mail theft targeting checks

According to a bulletin from the sheriff’s office, suspects remove the intended recipient’s information on checks, replace it with different names, and often change the dollar amounts.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is warning Macon-Bibb County residents about continued mail theft targeting blue U.S. Mail collection boxes, where thieves are stealing and forging checks.

According to a bulletin from the sheriff’s office, suspects remove the intended recipient’s information on checks, replace it with different names, and often change the dollar amounts. In some cases, they use the routing and account numbers to create counterfeit checks, the bulletin said.

Investigators recently arrested a suspect found with more than 30,000 images of checks on his computer. That person, who the sheriff’s office didn’t identify, has been charged by multiple agencies across Georgia.

Despite the arrest, authorities say residents should take precautions, including depositing mail containing checks or sensitive information directly inside U.S. Post Office buildings. The sheriff’s office also recommends making payments online whenever possible.

On November 27, 2024, a check addressed to an insurance company was stolen after being dropped in a USPS collection box on Rocky Creek Road. The check was forged and deposited.

The sheriff’s office says you should call 911 immediately if you witness a mail theft in progress and provide a description of the vehicle, suspect, or tag number if it is safe to do so.

Anyone with information that may help locate or identify mail thieves is encouraged to contact Captain George Meadows at (478) 747-3278 or gmeadows@maconbibb.us.