Franklin Co. Sheriff's Department Investigating Fraudulent Check & Money Order Scam

Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:21 AM

By Franklin County Sheriff's Department, news release

Several incidents have been reported, including the sale of vehicles.

Shutterstock photo.

(Brookville, Ind.) - Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies would like to warn citizens of possible fraudulent transactions taking place through online sales of merchandise.

Deputies are investigating several incidents of items, including vehicles, being purchased with the use of fraudulent money orders, cashier’s checks, and personal checks.

“These checks and money orders look like the real thing,” said Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Greg Mehlbauer. “Sellers can always contact their bank to verify that the check or money order is legit. Or, the seller can also contact the financial institution issuing the check or money order to verify its authenticity,” continued Mehlbauer.

In some incidents, Deputies have discovered that the buyers are insistent upon completing the sales on weekends, when banks are not open. Deputies encourage citizens to complete large transactions, and not sign over vehicle titles, until the funds can be verified.

Citizens who have been victims of similar scams are asked to report the fraud to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department at 765-647-4138.

More from Local News

Events

One Dead in Officer Involved Shooting in Florence

The incident took place at a home on Lely Court

One Dead, One Hospitalized in Dearborn County Crash

The crash took place Friday morning

Batesville Selects Ziegelmaier to Lead Band Program

Ziegelmaier previously served as the Director of Bands at Lawrenceburg Community Schools

Rushville Native Wins Lions Pride 5K to Kickoff 2026 SIRC

Four more events will be held locally to support cross country programs

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers All the Gold in California 0:13
Maren Morris My Church 0:09
Diamond Rio Love A Little Stronger 0:06
Lainey Wilson Wildflowers And Wild Horses 0:02