Check Fraud Ring Hits Missoula, Police Warn to Lookout For This Account

Missoula Police are trying to crack down on a check fraud ring that has been cashing checks throughout the City of Missoula and perhaps elsewhere. According to police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh, very little is known about the group cashing the checks.

"Officer Jenna Volinkaty has been investigating the fraudulent use of checks form a closed account that have been being passed around town during the month of July," Welsh said. "She's identified that the suspects are at least one male and two females and that they are using these checks to purchase goods and services or to try and exchange them for cash."

One common thread that businesses should be aware of Is that the checks all seem to be from the same account which appears to be from a local business.

"All the checks that are being passed fraudulently are from a closed account that formerly belonged to Montana Majestics, Inc. who has confirmed to us that they have closed the account and that it is no longer usable," said Welsh. "There have been several checks that have been fraudulently used to the tune of hundreds and hundreds of dollars that have been lost to local businesses."

Anyone with information about the three suspects or more details about the check fraud going on are advised to call Officer Jenna Volinkaty at 552-6300. Welsh says police are scanning for video footage of the suspects and hope to have images to share soon.