ST. GEORGE – Detectives are investigating a Washington County resident who allegedly stole mail from resident’s mailboxes and then used their bank account numbers to steal money.
 
Detective Choli Ence said a female was arrested last week on several felonies and varies charges of fraud.
 
“She stole (resident’s) mail and found different fraudulent ways to get money,” Ence said.
 
Ence said the female was allegedly taking bank statements, which sometimes had a returned check with it and used the returned check to steal someone’s routing and bank account numbers. The female was then able to make electronic payments using someone else’s electronic checks.
 
“Sometimes it goes unnoticed for awhile,” she said. “The bank ends up being the victim and crediting the actual victim.”
 
Ence said those wanting to steal someone’s identity will often take several items of mail. Often they can get a social security number and then apply for credit cards.
 
Ence said the St. George Police Department gets an average of 50 complaints a year or more of fraud and identity theft but that it is “on the rise.”
 
“It’s very easy to (steal someone’s identity),” she said. “We always think because of technology, it’s a fail proof system, but fraud and identity theft is so easy to do these days.”
 
Ence suggested taking advantage of free credit report checks and securing your mailbox or using the post office. She said if someone sees fraudulent charges, to go to their bank right away. To report fraud, call the police department at 435-627-4300.
 
For more information on protecting your identity, visit http://www.fraud.org/tips/internet/idtheftavoid.htm.