Franklin Co. Sheriff's Department Investigating Fraudulent Check & Money Order Scam

Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:21 AM

By Franklin County Sheriff's Department, news release

Several incidents have been reported, including the sale of vehicles.

Shutterstock photo.

(Brookville, Ind.) - Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies would like to warn citizens of possible fraudulent transactions taking place through online sales of merchandise.

Deputies are investigating several incidents of items, including vehicles, being purchased with the use of fraudulent money orders, cashier’s checks, and personal checks.

“These checks and money orders look like the real thing,” said Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Greg Mehlbauer. “Sellers can always contact their bank to verify that the check or money order is legit. Or, the seller can also contact the financial institution issuing the check or money order to verify its authenticity,” continued Mehlbauer.

In some incidents, Deputies have discovered that the buyers are insistent upon completing the sales on weekends, when banks are not open. Deputies encourage citizens to complete large transactions, and not sign over vehicle titles, until the funds can be verified.

Citizens who have been victims of similar scams are asked to report the fraud to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department at 765-647-4138.

More from Local News

Events

Record-Breaking Attendance Announced for 3rd Annual VOA Country Music Fest

The VOA returns to West Chester August 6-9, 2026.

Indiana Achieves Unprecedented Growth in Third Grade Literacy Rates

See how area school corporations performed in the 2024-2025 IREAD.

South Dearborn Announces New Baseball Head Coach

A recommendation has been made to the board to hire Jeremy Martin.

Following NFL Try, Mason Parris Training for 2028 Olympics

Parris was a first-time Olympian in 2024.

Riehle Wins Bulldog Chase 5K; Hatton & Detmer are Overall SIRC Champs

Batesville played host to the sixth and final race on Saturday.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Jason Aldean - They Don't Know

Sammy Kershaw Third Rate Romance 12:10
Riley Green and Ella Langley Don't Mind if I Do 12:06
LeAnn Rimes Star Spangled Banner - National Anthem 12:04
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 12:01