Police Investigate Counterfeit Checks in Jackson
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JACKSON, Tenn.–Police investigate a rash of counterfeit checks in Jackson. Officers say someone stole thousands of dollars from several businesses. “As a small business owner that is really scary,” Calista Joyce said, a business owner. Joyce owns Beyond Vogue, a clothing store in downtown Jackson. “We just opened our business six month ago, so we we‘re unlike big chain stores like Target or someone,” said Joyce. “We don’t have that much capital in the bank.” Since March 13, Jackson police say suspects cashed more than $10,000 in counterfeit checks on three separate business accounts, but investigators would not say which ones. “There’s certain people that make a living by illegal means and this is just organized crime,” said Captain Tyreece Miller, with the Jackson Police Department. Miller says the suspects get business bank account and check routing numbers. Then officers say the thieves create a counterfeit check with an inflated price, new name, and cash it. “We’ve actually identified people who are cashing the checks, but again they’re just a pawn in the game,” said Miller. “The people who are producing the checks, they’re the ones who we want.” Police encourage business owners to watch their accounts. “I’m so thankful my husband’s my accountant and my husband will be looking at our bank account everyday just as a safeguard,” said Joyce. Investigators say the suspects could face charges of criminal simulation, theft, or forgery. If you have any information about the counterfeit checks, contact the Jackson Police Department or Crimestoppers.
