Fake payroll checks circulating through Salem area

HealthWebCenter

Local experts provide the latest information on Healthcare issues that matter to you

Safety Watch

Professional Eye Care

Fresh Ideas with
Leigh Ann:

Recipes & Quick Tips

Comments

Fake payroll checks circulating through Salem area

12:08 PM PDT on Thursday, September 25, 2008

By KGW Staff

SALEM, Ore. -- Area businesses were fooled into taking more than $12,000 in fake checks circulating as part of a fraud ring in the Salem area.

KGW report on fake checks

Police believe the suspects have passed at least 50 checks since Sept. 1.

So far, one person has been arrested after he walked into big Shots Bar and Grill and tried to use one of the fake checks. Armando McKeever, 29, of Salem, was charged with forgery and theft.

Police said more arrests were likely. One suspect reportedly cashed three fake checks on Sunday alone.

Investigators said the suspects have been creating fake payroll or transfer checks with the names of local businesses on them, including Nor-Pac and the Statesman Journal. Then, they use fake identification cards to cash the checks. Those targeted said the ID cards looked very authentic.

Area businesses have been warned to keep a close eye out for more fake payroll checks.