Counterfeit Inmate Checks Circulating In Macomb County

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating numerous reports of counterfeit checks circulating around the area. The checks are typically issued by the sheriff’s office to inmates upon their release for funds taken from when entering the jail. Authorities say local party stores are now the victims in these incidents.

Within the past 7 days, 11 counterfeit checks has been passed within Mt. Clemens, Clinton Township, Shelby Township and Troy, police said.

The checks look almost identical to legitimate checks that would be issued to released inmates from the Macomb County Jail, including a Macomb County Sheriff’s logo in the upper right hand corner with the Sheriff’s Office address and “Inmate Funds.” There is also an authorized signature and a Chemical Bank logo.

The checks vary in amount from $300-725 and have all been dated for July 3, 5, and 7.

The counterfeit checks are made out to person’s that have not been incarcerated in the Macomb County Jail, police explained. The people cashing these checks have been able to produce photo identification for the name on the check, authorities said. Police are unsure if the person cashing the check is using fraudulent identification.

The Macomb County Sheriff’s Detective Bureau is currently working on obtaining additional information as well as video with suspect images.

The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office wants business owners to be aware of these counterfeit checks so they can protect themselves from becoming a victim. If anyone has information on these incidents, they are asked to contact the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 586-307-9358.