How do I keep checks from being stolen in the mail? - Los Angeles Times
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By Liz Weston
October 4, 2026, 3 AM PT
5 min read
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Dear Liz:
In response to a reader whose check to the IRS was stolen from the post office, you (again) warned readers that mail theft and check fraud have soared and that electronic payments are now the safest way to send money.
I’ve been making my charitable donations using qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from my IRA. My brokerage does this by mailing me a check in the amount I request, payable to my charity. I then mail the check to the charity. It seems risky, but it is the only way I can use the QCD option to donate untaxed dollars. Is there a safer way to do this?
Answer: