ESCANABA — Local law enforcement is asking the public to be aware of a scam making the rounds in the UP, including Escanaba.

The Escanaba Public Safety Department (EPSD) said there is a check scam going around UP, but the lead detective on the case said it’s more complicated than that.

“It’s much more complicated than a simple scam,” said EPSD Det. Brian Madalinski.

Madalinski had to be careful about sharing certain information; not to jeopardize the investigation.

“Someone asks you to do something and they will give you something for doing absolutely nothing for free, a lot of money for free – then they get cheated of something.” Madalinski said.

He explained that a person will approach an individual and try to get them to deposit an altered or fraudulent check. He said the checks are altered or laundered with different dates or amounts.

He said it varies depending on how criminals approach victims, saying they will approach people and ask them to cash their checks for them.

“They do that, they also act like they have another job like a construction job to go and then when the person says ‘okay sure I’ll go do this construction job’ – they let them go and try to cash the check for them. “ Madalinski said.

He said people should use common sense and become suspicious when a person asks you to cash a check for them.

He added that the criminals do not target a specific group of people, but look for someone who may be vulnerable or an easy target.

“It could be any type of person” he said.

“They don’t target a specific person, other than maybe someone who basically gives them the time of day and they can carry on a conversation with and manipulate.”

He said residents should reject any request from a stranger or someone you just met who asks you to cash a check for them.

“If someone approaches you and they want you to cash a check and you don’t know that person or you’ve just met them and they ask you to cash a check for them – no, refuse. Refuse to do that and call us and (try to get) the best description of them, (and) their vehicle. They can be a good witness at that time.” Madalinski said.