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Bad checks pose problem for businesses |
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Friday, 06 June 2008 |
By B.J. BETHEL
Assistant Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — Some local businesses have been finding out the hard way about the increase in forged checks.
Auglaize County has had its share of problems with fraudulent checks and local businesses are becoming more experienced in dealing with the problem. St. Marys Police Chief Greg Foxhoven said check forgers have been targeting the area for a while.
"Unfortunately, we've been exposed to so much of it the business are getting really good at picking up on it," Foxhoven said.
Forged checks are an entirely different problem than overdrawn checks. Overdrawn checks are typically for low amounts and are for gas or food. Those checks are usually made good after the person writing them is notified of the problem.
The larger problems comes from check forgers, who use fake checks to buy high ticket items and collect cash. They often leave businesses picking up a tremendous bill.
"People have manufactured checks and walked away with thousands because of it," Foxhoven said.
Business owners should be wary of checks from out of the area, especially for big ticket items or large amounts.
"If they aren't local I would be very skeptical of taking a check from them," Foxhoven said. "I think sometimes business people don't want to offend anyone. I can understand that."
The last three check forgers to be busted locally were from Michigan. They also tend to follow a pattern.
"They will pass five or six checks and they will write the check for over the amount and get money that way," Foxhoven said.
With the economy slowing in recent months, criminals may be more apt to take a chance passing a fake check.
"They sometimes say 'desperate people do desperate measures,'" Foxhoven said. "That's not to say law abiding citizens are becoming criminals, but those already with that tendency might become more active as a result."
Location plays a factor in why check forgers target the area. St. Marys is close to the interstate and is also a tourist destination.
"I think the fact we are close to the lake, in the summertime we get a lot of people who come to the state park to camp," Foxhoven said. "The vast majority of them are decent people who follow the rules. We get some who are passing through and try to do as much damage as they can."
Business owners who use care and keep alert could be saving themselves money in the long run.
"I think you always just need to err on the side of caution," Foxhoven said. "If a check looks suspicious, it doesn't hurt to call local law enforcement. Make sure they have a good ID."
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 June 2008 )
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