Numerous
counterfeit checks have been passed at banks in Anne Arundel County,
Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Baltimore City.
Counterfeit checks are produced using existing
business accounts and bear legitimate bank and routing numbers. Checks
are being presented at bank counters for payment. Those passing the
checks are drug abusers from the Baltimore area. The checks are made
payable to the drug abusers who produce proper identification. Several
have been arrested and indicate they were picked up off the street and
paid up to $125 to cash the checks. In each incident the drug abuser
was driven to the bank by the operators of the scheme. The drug abusers
were given a cell phone to keep in constant contact with the scheme
operators who were parked near-by. No specific information has been
developed regarding the scheme operators.
This is similar to another scheme being operated
in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area where drug abusers from the
Baltimore area are being sent in retail businesses with cell phones
using fraudulent credit cards.
Banks and LP Operations should be alert to this
activity and be suspicious of persons attempting to cash business checks
who are using cell phones during the transaction and out of their
general areas of listed residence.
Any information or inquiries contact Detective Timothy Holevas -
CID Fraud Unit - (410) 222-3569.
