Two Suffolk residents are out thousands of dollars from a check washing scam.

John Dematteo, 58, of The Bronx, has been arrested for stealing 14 checks that resulted in the combined loss of more than $20,000, Suffolk police say.

An 86-year-old Bay Shore woman lost about $17,000 and a 73-year-old Patchogue woman lost more than $3,000.

Detectives tell News 12, Dematteo stole the checks while in transit through the United States Postal Service.

The alleged thefts took place between August 2025 and January 2026.

The United States Postal Inspection Service has been notified of this investigation.

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim of Dematteo or have additional information about this scam can contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 631-852-6821.