Full Breakdown
Lombard Couple Falls Victim to Check Washing Scheme
2/11/2026, 1:07:47 PM
Overview of the Incident
A Lombard couple, Therese and her husband, have reported losing approximately $11,000 due to a check washing scheme they believe is occurring at their local post office. The couple mailed two checks on the same day—one for $165 to an insurance company and another for $64 for a water bill. However, both checks were altered and cashed for significantly higher amounts: $5,700 for storage fees and $5,200 for a snow plow rental, both made out to an unknown individual named Q'shawn Jackson.
Investigation and Findings
Therese Scarlati, leveraging her 20 years of experience in electronic security, initiated her own investigation after being alerted by Bank of America about the fraudulent activity. She discovered that the checks were being cashed using the Bank of America mobile app. In her quest for answers, Therese visited the Lombard post office and was surprised to find that there were no surveillance cameras in the back area where mail is handled. This lack of security raised concerns about the potential for similar incidents to occur.
Community Response
Following her investigation, Therese took to social media, posting about her experience on Facebook. The response was overwhelming, with numerous individuals commenting that they had encountered similar issues at the Lombard post office in recent months. This collective feedback suggests a broader problem within the postal service in that area, prompting Therese to warn others about the risks associated with mailing checks.
Official Statements & Responses
Therese expressed her belief that the situation might involve a larger criminal operation, stating, "I don't think they'll catch him. I think it's a bigger ring and there's a lot more to it." Despite the financial loss, she remains hopeful about recovering her funds due to federal insurance on the checks.
Criticism & Opposition
While Therese is optimistic about the potential recovery of her funds, skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of law enforcement in apprehending the perpetrator. The absence of surveillance at the post office has drawn criticism from community members who feel that more should be done to secure mail handling processes.
What's Next
Therese plans to take precautionary measures in the future, such as using permanent ink for writing checks to prevent further alterations. Her experience serves as a cautionary tale for others in the Lombard area, highlighting the need for increased awareness and security measures against check washing schemes.
Verbatim Quotes
- "Right away I knew, no, I did not write that." — Therese Scarlati
- "There was no cameras in the back area to watch how they are handling in the back." — Therese Scarlati
- "I don't think they'll catch him. I think it's a bigger ring and there's a lot more to it." — Therese Scarlati
