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Springfield Police are currently investigating the passing of several thousand dollars worth of fake checks cashed at area businesses. KSMU’s Katie Easley reports on the significant rise in fraudulent check manufacturing.
The advancement of computers and software has created new opportunities for thieves. Lieutenant David Millsap of the Springfield Police Department says it’s now easier than ever for criminals to create fake checks. He says people are stealing checks and then making copies.
“It’s a lot easier now to just go out and make checks yourself, so that’s why it’s really important to get the word out to people. If your taking checks be on your toes about how you do that, have a process,” Millsap says.
Springfield Police are encouraging businesses to always check the legal identification of people when accepting checks or credit cards. Millsap says if they don’t match don’t accept the check and call the police.
“If they know for sure someone is trying to pass a check is call 911 and maybe try to stop the event as it’s happening in progress,” Millsap says.
Springfield police are also encouraging citizens to always keep their checks and credit cards in a safe place to prevent them from being stolen or copied.
"The number one thing you can do is make sure that your not keeping your check book in your vehicle, that it's in a secure place, that way people can't get their hands on your check book,” Millsap says.
Last week police did arrest a man in connection with fraudulent check manufacturing, however, they want the public to be aware that this is not an isolated incident.
For KSMU News, I’m Katie Easley.
