The West Whiteland Township Police Department continues to investigate the theft and counterfeiting of business checks. The checks were most likely stolen from the mail. An unknown person(s) has since started coercing other persons to cash these checks at banks and Walmart stores in our area. The persons that cash these checks use their their identification to cash the checks. They receive a small amount of the value of the check and have the greatest risk of getting caught. The person(s) providing them with these checks takes advantage of their vulnerability. Some of these persons have substance abuse issues, learning disabilities or are just desperate for money.
We are looking to identify the person(s) organizing this scheme. They are operating in our area. Many of the persons cashing the checks are from Coatesville and Oxford. More than 30 checks have been cashed or attempted to be cashed. It is likely other people have been approached and may know who this person(s) is. We have a good idea who they are but we need others to come forward with more information.
If you have any information, please contact Det. Scott Pezick at 610-363-0200 ext. 1017 or spezick@westwhiteland.org.