Check stolen and altered for $5,000 in Stafford fraud case
STAFFORD, VA — A mailed check meant to pay a $180 bill was stolen and altered to over $5,000 in a fraud case currently under investigation by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy I.A. Ramos responded to Pinecrest Court on January 15 after a victim reported his account had gone into overdraft. Bank records showed that a check he mailed for $180.79 had been intercepted, altered to a new payee, and cashed for $5,000.79.
The bank refunded the stolen amount and closed the account to prevent additional fraud. No suspects have been identified at this time.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Key Points
- A check for $180 was stolen and fraudulently altered to $5,000
- The bank flagged the change after the account was overdrawn
- The victim’s funds were reimbursed and the account closed
