US fire department loses $21,135 to check fraud, then gets reimbursed
The gist
Pennsylvania's Columbia Borough Fire Department reported $21,135.38 stolen or targeted in a check fraud scheme.
It says it was fully reimbursed, as police investigate and other departments report similar cases.
How it unfolded
- Nov 4, 2026The Grant County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin issued a community warning after an uptick in check fraud in the county, including check washing and checks stolen from the mail.
- Nov 5, 2026Roseburg Police jailed 44-year-old Dee Thomas as a suspect in a check fraud case.
- Nov 6, 2026The Columbia Borough Fire Department announced it was the victim of check fraud involving the theft or attempted theft of $21,135.38 from department funds.
Key terms
- check washing
- A form of check fraud in which thieves steal checks and use chemicals to erase and alter details such as the payee or amount.
- Sheriff's Office
- A local government office headed by an elected official responsible for law enforcement in a county.
Source: Wikipedia