HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It's tax season, and while many of us look forward to getting that tax return— there are thieves out there who want to snatch up your check before you can get your hands on it.
Huntsville police say there have been cases of thieves stealing refund checks right from folks' mailboxes.
Lt. Michael Johnson, a spokesman for the Huntsville Police Department, says it often happens like this:
"Over the span of several weeks, we'll get victims from a various neighborhood," he explains. "Once we see the reports of mailboxes being broken into or checks being taken and it's all in one geographical area, then we know what's going on."
Lt. Johnson says it doesn't just happen around tax season-- some thieves are looking to steal checks from the mailbox any opportunity they get.
"It comes down to the place they negotiate that check," said Johnson. "Obviously they're not going to go to the bank that is written on the check. Anytime you expect to receive a payment in the mail, always do a followup or ask for a timeline of when it's coming."
One way to prevent becoming a victim is to opt for an automatic payment from the IRS-- having your check deposited right into your account.
"If you deal with an accountant, filing your taxes electronically is something that a lot of people are doing," he said.
The IRS says having the refund deposited is also the fastest way to get your return.
For information on how to check the status of your refund, read under Refunds on the IRS website.
