Pine Beach Police urge caution amid reports of “Mailbox Fishing”

It's known as "Mailbox Fishing" when mail thieves root through mailed letters for checks that they can alter and fraudulently cash.

Nearly two months after incidents took place in Toms River, police in Pine Beach are working with Ocean County investigators looking for suspects committing the same act in the borough.

On Monday Pine Beach Police responded to the Post Office for a suspected attempt at "Mailbox Fishing."

"We wish to inform you that a device suspected to be used for "Mailbox Fishing" was found in the U.S. Postal Service curbside collection box located at the Pine Beach Post Office," Pine Beach Police said in a statement. "We are working closely with local Postal Inspectors and the Ocean County Sheriff 911 Crime Scene Investigation Unit to identify the suspects."

While the investigation into fishing incidents in Ocean County are ongoing, police in Pine Beach urge caution among residents.

They ask that you consider using verified online bill payment services or money transfer options offered through banks as well as monitor your bank accounts for any suspicious activity if you have mailed any checks or plan to in the future.

They also recommend walking into the Post Office and delivering your sensitive mail directly to a Clerk.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service recommends the following tips to protect your outgoing mail:

1) Deposit outgoing mail at your local Post Office or hand your mail to a uniformed letter carrier.

2) When using a blue collection box, be sure to deposit your mail before the last pickup time of the day.

3) Do your best not to let your outgoing mail sit in a mailbox overnight.

If anyone observes suspicious activity around the Pine Beach Post Office, you are encouraged to call the Pine Beach Police Department at (732) 341-2616.

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