Federal authorities are reviewing reports of stolen and altered checks mailed at the Boardman Plaza Post Office.

The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General confirmed it is in contact with the Boardman Police Department regarding the cases. The agency investigates crimes involving postal employees or internal operations.

Charlene Cerra, a spokesperson for the watchdog agency, said officials cannot confirm or deny the existence of a specific ongoing investigation. However, she noted that the local office is aware of the reports from the township.

The response follows three reports filed with local police. Victims said checks mailed in December were intercepted, changed to show higher dollar amounts, and made payable to strangers. In one instance, a resident reported that a $300 check was increased to $3,700 before being deposited through a mobile app.

Postal Inspector Dylan Louis said the agency is working to protect mail through an initiative called Project Safe Delivery. This program includes the installation of high-security collection boxes and electronic locks to prevent theft.

Louis stated that while millions of checks are delivered safely every day, they remain targets for criminals. He urged residents to monitor their bank accounts and credit reports regularly for suspicious activity.

Authorities recommend that anyone who suspects their mail was stolen should contact their bank and the Postal Inspection Service. Reports regarding potential internal theft can also be made through the Office of Inspector General hotline.

Postal officials did not comment on whether any employees have been questioned or disciplined.