The Vidalia Police Department and local area banks want to make businesses aware of an ongoing scam.
We’ve been made aware by our local banks of a growing trend in check fraud directly tied to mail theft, and unfortunately, businesses are being specifically targeted due to their higher account balances. Here are two important tips to help protect your business:
Incoming Checks from Customers
If your customers send check payments by mail, consider using a locked and secure mailbox. Even better—have them send payments directly to your PO Box rather than to your physical location.
Outgoing Checks to Vendors
When mailing checks to pay vendors, make sure you're sending them to a secure address or a PO Box to help protect your banking details from falling into the wrong hands.
For additional protection, speak with your financial institution about fraud prevention tools available for business accounts. Many banks offer services like check verification or positive pay systems to help protect your funds.
Several businesses in our area have already been affected. Please take proactive steps to safeguard your operations. Stay alert. Stay secure.
