Lisburn businesses fall victim to cheque fraud

Businesses in the city are amongst a number across Northern Ireland which have reported a man entering commercial premises and paying for equipment with cheques which, when presented to the bank, are returned as Account Closed.

To date, fraudulent cheques with a total value of more than £16,000 have been presented to businesses including golf clubs, electrical stores and restaurants in a number of areas in Belfast and Lisburn.

In one of the most recent incidents, a male entered commercial premises and purchased a television valued at approximately £600 with a cheque.

The member of staff then checked with the bank and it was confirmed the account the cheque was written from was a closed account.

Police believe there may be further incidents which have not yet been reported and would urge anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud in similar circumstances to contact them.

Business owners are also urged to make all staff aware of customers using cheques to purchase large quantities of equipment and to contact police if there are any concerns.

Anyone with information or anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud in similar circumstances is asked to contact their local police station on 0845 600 8000.