Dane Co. Sheriff estimates $300K in losses from payroll check fraud scheme

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is warning businesses to protect themselves against a payroll check fraud scheme that has already resulted in local losses in excess of $300,000, according to a report from WMTV NBC-15.

Investigators believe the criminals behind the scheme in which the payroll checks were likely copied and cashed are from out of state, but no other information about who may be behind the thefts was provided. None of the businesses affected by the thefts were identified.

The Sheriff’s Office advises businesses to establish a secure paycheck distribution system like direct deposit and when mailing checks to place them in a secure mailbox at the post office or other secure location.

Anyone who has been the victim of theft or fraud is asked to call the Dane County Communications Center at (608) 255-2345.