Stolen Milton Business Check Forged, Cashed for nearly $5,000

A Deerfield Parkway business reported to on Jan. 3 that one of its checks was forged and cashed for $4,812 at a check-cashing business.

The original check had been made out to a Phoenix business for $250, but never made it to the Arizona address. The business manager said the check was cashed on Dec. 24, but the amount and payee both were changed. The check ha correct business and financial information, but when it was cashed it didn't have the business logo, the payee and payment information was changed, and the memo on the bottom of the check was missing the misspelling of the original check.

Milton Homeowner Loses Thousands in Jewelry to Thief

A Glencreek Way homeowner lost more than $5,500 in jewelry and electronics that might have been missing for weeks.

The homeowner heard a noise in the basement on Dec. 19, but didn't check it out. She suspected someone came in through a window, but a Milton police officer checking on Jan. 6 saw spider webs on the windows. the basement door to the outside, however, was unlocked.

IRS Makes Refund Check Fraud Victim Wait a Month for Info

A White Columns Drive resident never received his IRS refund check, which the tax agency sent to an address in San Francisco.

The Milton resident told police he filed his return on Sept. 1, 2011, and had requested an electronic funds transfer so he wouldn't have this kind of problem. The IRS told him he had to wait until 30 days after the mailing date to get information from them. Once the time had passed, he was told about the check going to California and being cashed on Oct. 7. Two signatures on the check didn't match his or his wife's handwriting, and a third unknown, illegible signature also was on the check.

The IRS said the case was turned over to the Secret Service, and told him to also report it to local police.

Milton Woman Suspects Caretaker in Debit Card Fraud

An Oakside Circle resident had at least one fraudulent withdrawal from her bank account on New Year's Day, and she suspects one of her caretakers. Both of her caretakers were in her home on New Year's Eve.

Milton police advised her to contact her bank and place a fraud alert on her debit and credit cards. The victim said she had canceled her debit card on Jan. 3.

Couple's ATM Info Used in California for Withdrawals

A North Park Lane resident told Milton police that $1,300 was stolen from her bank account using her ATM bank card information.

The victim checked her bank account online and saw the four transactions, all ATM withdrawals in Glendale and Sunland, California. She said she and her husband have never been to California.

She called her credit union to report the fraud and cancel their ATM cards, and the credit union asked her to report it to Milton police. Milton in turn advised her to report it to police where the fraud was committed.

For questions about this police blotter, email bob.pepalis@patch.com.