Man arrested for passing fake checks at Springfield stores

Springfield Police have arrested a man for passing fake checks at area stores - and the incident is not isolated, police warn.

Police identified Rhett Scofield as a suspect in four cases that involved thousands of dollars in fake checks passed at area businesses, including the Walmart at 1923 E. Kearney St. and the Kum & Go stores at 3623 E. Sunshine St. and 2744 E. Chestnut Expressway. They later found Scofield at a South Glenstone Avenue motel and served a search warrant, seizing evidence of check printing and a "significant quantity" of what appeared to be illegal narcotics, according to a news release.

Scofield was booked in Greene County Jail and charged with forgery; drug charges are pending laboratory testing.

Police say the use of fake checks in the area is on the rise. Suspects are obtaining legitimate checking account information, printing fake checks and cashing them for money and merchandise at area businesses, the release said.

Businesses are encouraged to be cautious when accepting checks and credit cards, and to check the legal identification of someone using checks or credit cards, according to the police. The public is encouraged to keep checks and credit cards in a safe place and never leave them in a vehicle.[[In-content Ad]]