By Williams
Murphysboro, IL – Jackson County Sheriff's deputies say it appears a payroll check fraud ring has moved into the area. Several suspects, all described as Hispanic males, have obtained blank payroll checks from construction businesses in the area.
Authorities say the checks are then forged and presented to area banks where the businesses have accounts. The suspects use fake, out of state identifications and usually presents the checks in the bank's lobby or walk up to the drive-up window.
Business owners are encouraged to secure blank checks and conduct a frequent audit of all checks. So far police say the bogus checks have been presented at Banterra bank locations in Carterville and Marion; and Old National Bank locations in DeSoto, Murphysboro, Carterville, and Marion.
