On 27/2/2013 Tasmania Police Fraud and e-Crime detectives arrested and charged a 32 year old Campania woman with 23 charges of obtain goods by false pretences and one charge of acquiring a financial advantage by deception.  The total value of the charges is $15,915.

The false pretences charges relate to a series of dishonoured cheques used to purchase goods between November 2012 and January 2013.

The woman was detained and appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 27/2/2013.

Tasmania Police encourage businesses to be vigilant when accepting personal cheques for payment of goods. Some steps which can be taken to reduce the potential for cheque fraud includes:

·       Seek identification from the customer, which provides name, address and date of birth as well as a signature. Photographic identification is the most preferred form of identification and should be requested.

.       Match the name and the signature to the cheque.

·       Ensure the customer provides a current address and phone number.

·       Be wary of customers who pay with a cheque and then return later to purchase more goods with another cheque. They may be testing out business practices and procedures in relation to the acceptance of cheques.

·       Businesses do not have to accept payment by cheque and should not do so where suspicions arise.

·       Businesses have the option of waiting until the cheque is cleared before releasing the goods

Any businesses or individuals who believe they have fallen victim of cheque fraud should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.