Thieves 'washing' stolen rent checks

 
Thieves 'washing' stolen rent checks
Names and amounts are being erased from stolen checks and other details are being written in. The work of these thieves is so good they have the tellers at the banks and check cashing stores fooledRebecca Gonzalez dropped off her rent check in February like she always does in her complex's drop box. Now she's out nearly $700. A thief stole her money order out of Capitol Place Apartment's front office. The complex blames Rebecca, though it's their box. Rebecca got a letter threatening to evict her."I feel they're liable for the money orders," said Gonzalez.
Thieves are changing names with the real signature washed out behind one in darker ink."They wash 'em and then pay people to cash 'em and give them a cut of money," explained Lt. Brian Mahoney of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Financial Crimes Unit.Thieves actually use acetone nail polish to wash out the names.
A pinkish hue from an acetone wash can be seen on one check where the numbers were replaced so cash stores can't trace the check.
Financial Crime Unit detectives are working the citywide case. But thieves are doing even, more using special software and paper to make counterfeits.