Since Oct. 22, several Elkhart check cashing business have been defrauded of thousands of dollars after they cashed fraudulent payroll checks.

In a couple instances, a large group of males entered the check cashing business  together. Each individual presented identical fake payroll checks, in different amounts, from an RV company for cashing.

Businesses were later notified that the checks bounced and that the checks were fraudulent.

At this time, detectives are still investigating whether these incidents are connected as the individuals presenting the fraudulent checks for cashing also presented fake identification.

Elkhart Police are advising local merchants to be aware of this trend, particularly if they  provide a check cashing service.

Here are some things to look out for or be aware of:

• Large groups of people coming in together to cash payroll checks, particularly checks purporting to be from local RV companies

• Individuals presenting identification cards that look suspicious, or ID cards from other countries that are not able to be verified

• Consider not cashing large checks or checks above a certain dollar threshold to help mitigate losses if the check is deemed fraudulent.

Anybody with any information regarding these investigations is asked to contact the Elkhart Police Department at 574-295-7076 or Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP or 800-342-STOP, or EPD’s tip line at 574-389-4777. Anybody can also submit a tip at tips@elkhartpolice.org