NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 22, 2008
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420
TRAVELERS CHECK SCAM
The Okaloosa
County Sheriff's Office wants to warn business owners to be alert to a
counterfeit traveler's check scam that is occurring in our area.
Over the
weekend, the thieves hit a half dozen businesses in Destin and Fort Walton
Beach. In all instances, a man or a
woman purchased, or attempted to purchase items,
with a fake $100 Bank of America American Express Travelers Gift Check,
and also got cash in return.
The Destin businesses
targeted include Publix Supermarket, Best Buy Electronics, Lane Bryant retail
store, Stein Mart, the Office
Depot, and Pet Smart. An attempt was also made at the Publix on Mary Esther
Cut-Off.
Investigators are
asking clerks to be extra vigilant and ensure any Travelers Gift Checks are
genuine. Bank officials say the checks
should contain fourteen digits.
The suspects are
described as a tall black male with a thin build and a black female, around
5'5", 140 pounds, and approximately 30 years of age.
Anyone
with information on the scam is asked to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff's
Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.
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