GREENFIELD — Greenfield Police Department has arrested two individuals following a three-month investigation into fraudulent check cashing.
Between Aug. 4 and Sept. 25, King City residents Olivia Pineda Carrazco and Juan Alberto Diaz cashed four fraudulent checks at various businesses in Greenfield.
“Our investigation revealed that Carrazco and Diaz collaborated to falsify their identities to cash these checks,” stated police in a news release. “However, detectives successfully identified them and linked them to all four incidents.”
Carrazco and Diaz were arrested Oct. 7 and taken to Monterey County Jail on check fraud and forgery charges.
“After their arrests, and with assistance from the King City and Soledad Police Departments, we served a warrant at Carrazco’s King City home, where we uncovered additional evidence of fraud,” police said.
Greenfield Police offered the following tips for businesses that provide check-cashing services:
- Verify Identity: Always request multiple forms of identification.
- Check for Signs of Fraud: Look for signature inconsistencies or unusual check formats.
- Verify with the Issuing Business: Contact the issuing business to confirm the check number, amount, and the name it was issued to.
- Use Security Features: Invest in a check verification system.
- Stay Informed: Regularly update staff on common fraud tactics.
“Together, we can keep Greenfield safe,” police said.
