March 18, 2005

Battle Creek.

The Michigan State Police Battle Creek Post is warning truck stops about a check scam involving EFS Trans-Checks, which is an electronic funds transferring system utilized by truck drivers.

On March 14, several forged EFS Trans-Checks were passed at truck stops in Calhoun County. The suspect is a white male, 5’10" tall, medium build, dark short curly hair with spots of grey. On this date, he was wearing a ball cap, white t-shirt, blue jeans and a black leather jacket. No one else was seen with the suspect, although he alluded that he had a female partner. There is no known vehicle description.

In each case, the suspect entered the truck stop and indicated his truck broke down on the side of the road, where it was subsequently broken into by thieves. He stated his wallet containing all his identification was stolen and that he needs to cash an EFS check for the largest amount the merchant will accept. At this point, the suspect stepped away from the counter to write the check and to appear to call to his company on his cell phone. Just prior to, or when he returned to the counter, the clerk received a phone call from a woman claiming to be a representative of EFS. She confirmed the driver needs to cash a check, but cannot provide identification. She then gave the clerk a description of the man and what seemed to be valid transaction and authorization numbers.

EFS confirmed the authorization codes are not legitimate, and that the checks were forged. An EFS representative will never contact a vendor in reference to a check, as a vendor must contact them. EFS indicated that over 40 checks of this type have recently been passed in Michigan and Indiana.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

MSP Battle Creek Post, (269) 968-6115

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.