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.

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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