Traveler check forgeries reported

Carson City law enforcement officials want area merchants to be on the lookout for a suspected counterfeiter who has been passing fake traveler checks.

The female suspect, described a black, with a medium build, between 20 and 30 years old, has passed five known fake checks in the amount of $100 each. The checks are well-fabricated duplicates of those distributed by the Thomas Cook company.

"They look good enough that merchants have taken them without a second look," said Deputy Chief Scott Burau. "We at least want them to pause and think about it."

The checks were passed during the last two weeks of May and the first week of June, Burau said.

He said the first fakes were not as alarming because the department believed the suspect was simply passing through town.

Merchants who believe they have made contact with the suspect are being asked to call 911. Anyone with other information is asked to call the detectives division at 887-2020 ext. 1400.