Are the checks being issued on a closed account? “We can’t confirm that because the bank doesn’t exist,” said Det. de los Reyes. “We don’t even have a number to call to ask if the account ever even existed,” or that Western Security Bank was even a legitimate business. “They could have been good checks at one time but there’s no way to find out. . .”There has been no pattern established for where the bogus checks are presented to be cashed, “it could be anywhere and other businesses will be hit eventually,” said Det. de los Reyes.The best way merchants can protect themselves is to be on the lookout for the checks, refuse to cash them and notify the police immediately.“Do not accept checks from SPS, Santa Paula Supplies, or from Western Security Bank of Toluca Lake,” said Det. de los Reyes. “Be on the lookout and if you run across any of these checks, please call me at 525-4474.”
Merchants beware: SPPD warns bogus checks being passed
April 18, 2003
Santa Paula News
Merchants beware: if someone tries to cash a check from SPS, Santa Paula Supplies, all you’ll get for your trouble is a headache and a worthless piece of paper according to the detective investigating the bad check cases.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesMerchants beware: if someone tries to cash a check from SPS, Santa Paula Supplies, all you’ll get for your trouble is a headache and a worthless piece of paper according to the detective investigating the bad check cases.Santa Paula Police Det. Joey de los Reyes said the bad check incidents surfaced last year, and the amounts of the checks vary. So far, over $500 has been lost to local miscellaneous businesses that cashed the checks.Often the check holder is also a victim: “The employer hires them for work and then the worker cashes the check and it’s no good,” leaving two victims, the worker and the business that forked over the cash, amounts varying over and under $100.The checks also have PO Box 973, Santa Paula, CA 93061 imprinted on them and are issued by Western Security Bank in Toluca Lake.
