(Emmetsburg)– Area banks and businesses are being told to be on the lookout after a report of a possible check fraud case out of Palo Alto county.
Authorities say it stems from an investigation into an incident in which a local business cashed a Bank of America payroll check that appeared to be from a legitimate Algona business. When the check was presented at the bank, authorities say it was found to be written on a closed Bank of America account from a business in Maryland.
Upon further investigation, the Annapolis, Maryland Police Department and several other agencies reported investigating similar incidents involving the same account.
Authorities are telling local banks and businesses that cash checks to take extra precautions, which should include but not be limited to photo identification, driver’s license, license plate information, and a phone number. They add that if there’s any doubt on cashing a check, to either not cash it or to call your local law enforcement agency.
