Cook County Treasurer's Office - 8/15/2002

Counterfeit checks made to look like property-tax refunds from the Cook County Treasurer's Office have been cashed at Chicago currency exchanges, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas warned today.

Eight false checks totaling $5,235.32 were cashed at currency exchanges on Chicago's South and West sides before being detected by Bank of America, where the Treasurer's Office has an account, Pappas said. Cook County suffered no financial loss due to the counterfeit checks.

The Cook County Treasurer's Office issues refunds to persons on whose property an overpayment or double payment was made, or who qualified for an exemption. Pappas said it appeared that someone obtained a legitimate check and used a computer to copy its format and create checks of $600 to $700.

Pappas warned currency exchanges, banks and businesses that might cash such checks to be sure that the checks are valid. Those who doubt the validity of a check from the Cook County Treasurer's Office can call (312) 443-5100 and inquire about a specific check.

"Thanks to Bank of America and employees at my office, these checks were detected," Pappas said. "But those who would cash such checks must be vigilant as well."

Pappas said the matter has been given to appropriate authorities for investigation.