Scammers are stealing checks from the mail. Here’s how to protect yours

You try to use your credit card to make a purchase and are told it has been declined. In a panic, you call your credit card company, which informs you that they never received your last payment. "That’s impossible," you exclaim, knowing you sent in the payment weeks ago.

You go to check other recently paid bills to find out that several others, including your housing association fees and insurance payments, weren’t received. You head to your bank, only to find out that the checks have been "washed" ...