Getting a government refund feels great, but in California, thieves are stealing these refund checks from mailboxes and selling them online at an alarming rate. Even security cameras and daylight aren’t stopping these criminals from breaking mailboxes and grabbing mail. This article explains how these stolen checks are traded on the dark web, what experts are saying, and how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
How Thieves Steal and Sell Refund Checks
Thieves in California, especially around Los Angeles, have been stealing refund checks sent by the IRS. They don’t just take one or two—they grab mail by the handful, often breaking into mailboxes to get more. Security cameras or being home during the day don’t always help because these thieves are bold and quick.
David Maimon, a researcher from Georgia State University, studies these underground markets where stolen checks are sold. He says that California has always been a hotspot for check theft. Maimon found a large number of stolen refund checks being sold on the dark web, including some meant for people in Long Beach, Cerritos, and Los Angeles.
How Stolen Checks Are Used
The stolen checks contain important information like names, addresses, and bank details. With this data, criminals can even print fake copies of the checks and cash them easily. Maimon explained that the thieves don’t have to do much to turn these stolen checks into cash.
Surprisingly, some stolen IRS tax payment checks are also being sold online. Maimon tracked 84 dark web markets and found that 4,000 to 5,000 stolen checks are sold every month. The market is so full of stolen checks that prices have dropped—criminals sell personal checks for as little as $25 each.
Efforts to Warn Victims
News teams have tried to contact people whose stolen checks were found for sale. Most people hung up the phone, possibly because they didn’t trust calls about dark web crimes. Many victims might not even know their checks have been stolen and sold.
How to Protect Your Checks
If you need to send or receive a check by mail, experts warn that mail theft is a serious risk. Both David Maimon and the United States Postal Service suggest avoiding mailing checks altogether. Instead, they recommend using direct deposit or paying bills online to stay safe. This advice might not help everyone, but it is the best way to avoid having your money stolen.
Mail theft, especially of government refund checks, has become a big problem in California. Thieves are bold enough to steal mail openly, and the stolen checks are sold on the dark web to criminals who cash them or create fake versions. This creates a large underground market that puts many people at risk. To protect yourself, avoid sending checks through the mail and use safer options like online payments or direct deposits. Staying informed and cautious can help keep your money safe from these growing crimes.