Richmond County businesses were put on alert after Rockingham Police arrested an individual cashing a fraudulent payroll check purported to be from a local business.

Rockingham Police Business Liaison Det. Donavon Young said Friday afternoon it was the alert work of a local clerk which led to an arrest, after the individual noticed falsified information on the check and tipped-off authorities.

The name of the individual being arrested is being withheld pending an on-going investigation.

“Basically, what they’re doing is getting the name and (financial information) of a local business, and making fraudulent payroll checks using items that are commonly found at office supply stores,” Young explained. “They look real, and would pass at many businesses.”

In an alert to county businesses, he outlined the mode of operation being used in the scheme.

“The suspects typically attempt to cash the checks after 5 p.m., when it is difficult to verify authenticity,” the alert reads. “An alert cashier recognized a sequence of numbers that were incorrect on one of the checks and called the police.”

Young said the best defense against fraud at a business is educated employees.

“Businesses need to remember to properly identify customers using proper identification and ask questions when necessary,” the alert read.