The Banks County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to residents that criminals are increasingly targeting checks sent through the mail.

According to a social media post from BCSO, stolen checks can be altered, washed, or used to steal money directly from a victim’s account.

The agency provided several tips to help potential victims safely mail a check.

In the post, authorities advised to drop mail inside of a post office rather than leaving it unsecured in a mailbox and to avoid placing mail in a mailbox overnight.

The agency also recommended to use a black gel pen when writing checks, emphasizing that the ink is more difficult to be removed or altered.

Additionally, BCSO suggested always making the check payable to a specific person or business and to frequently monitor bank accounts for unauthorized transactions.

"If you notice missing checks, unauthorized withdrawals, or suspicious activity on your account, contact your financial institution immediately and report it to law enforcement,” BCSO’s post said. “A few extra precautions can help protect your finances and prevent you from becoming the next victim of check fraud.”