Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying several individuals involved in multiple fraud incidents late last week.
Early in the afternoon on Friday, officers with the Storm Lake Police Department were called to Delicias Bakery on North Lake Avenue after they received a report regarding a possible fraud check (picture from SLPD above). The suspects fled the scene prior to the arrival of police. Officers allege that between ten and 15 Hispanic males presented payroll checks on a fictitious account. The suspects allegedly obtained nearly ten-thousand dollars in cash before they fled the scene in multiple vehicles.
Authorities believe similar schemes were conducted throughout several other area communities on Friday. More than 40-thousand dollars was obtained from the United Bank of Iowa in Pocahontas. Tens of thousands of dollars were reportedly obtained from the UBI location in Rolfe, and fictitious checks were also cashed at the UBI in Sac City. An attempt to cash fake checks in Rockwell City was unsuccessful. According to investigators, no one has been injured in any of the incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency. The Storm Lake Police Department can be reached at 712-732-8010, or 749-2525. Authorities encourage check cashing services to be vigilant in taking steps to ensure the validity of presented checks.
