BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Authorities in Beverly Hills issue warnings about a check washing operation targeting IRS tax payment checks mailed by local residents. Thieves intercept these checks from the mail, alter them, and deposit the funds into accounts they control.
The Check Washing Scam
Investigators have confirmed multiple incidents involving large checks payable to the IRS, valued between $100,000 and $500,000. Criminals modify the payee information on the stolen checks, enabling them to cash out through banks.
Challenges for Victims
Victims often overlook the theft initially, as they anticipate the significant withdrawal for their tax obligations. The Beverly Hills Police Department explains that discovery typically occurs months later, when the IRS notifies them that the payment never arrived.
“Victims often do not discover the crime until several months later, when they receive notice from the IRS that their tax payment was never received. By that time, the altered check has already cleared, the funds have been withdrawn in cash, and the suspect account has been closed,” the department states.
These delays complicate investigations, as bank surveillance footage and other evidence frequently become unavailable.
Prevention Recommendations
Officials strongly recommend electronic tax payments to avoid risks. For those mailing checks, residents should regularly review bank statements and verify deposited check images to ensure processing by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
