Check fraud is one of the largest challenges facing businesses and financial institutions.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Crime Prevention Section encourages local businesses to take great care in cashing checks for the public.
CCSO offers these tips:
* Inspect the check for indications that it might have been altered. The check amount in numbers should match the check amount written out in longhand. Be cautious if you identify any areas of the check that appear to have been smudged, erased or altered.
* Be cautious of checks for very large amounts that would be better suited for cashing at a bank, or large checks of even amounts of money ($1,000 or $2,500, for example).
* Carefully check photo identification of the person presenting the check with the name of the “payee’’ on the check and the endorsement signature to make sure all three items match.
* Always request a fingerprint of the person cashing a check and make sure that it is clear and has not been purposely smudged
Anyone with information about this, or any other crime, is urged to contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300, or, to remain anonymous, call the CCSO crime information tips line at 239-775-TIPS (8477).
