Forged state checks spark joint probe

Single Sign-On: You can use Facebook account to log in to LasVegasSun.com. (We will use your first and last name from your profile.)
Trusted Commenting: Facebook connected users automatically become trusted commenters.

Wednesday, June 10, 1998 | 11:15 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- An investigation has been started after a number of forged state checks was detected prior to payment by the office of state Treasurer Bob Seale.

Seale and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa said Tuesday they have joined with other law enforcement officers in the case.

The forgeries replicate standard check stock with a duplicated facsimile of Seale's signature. The treasurer's control disbursement process discovered the phony checks before any payments from the state were made.

"It's a common scam to try to use a large corporation or known institution, such as the state, to lower the suspicions of a cashier when passing a forged check," Del Papa said.

"With more sophisticated computer-imaging technologies available to potential forgers, businesses should continue to use caution, know their payee and get proper identification before cashing any check."

Many businesses are not asking for fingerprints before cashing checks.