A nationwide check fraud scam that preys on the homeless hits Lincoln.
Police arrested 54-year-old Paul Bellew Tuesday. Police say he and two other men cashed fake checks at two Security First Banks last Friday. It cost the bank $21,137.
The day before, they say Bellew was approached by two men who offered to put him up in a hotel and pay him, if he cashed the checks. After he cashed the checks, police say Bellew was paid $450.
Lincoln Police say this scam is happening all over the country, costing banks tens of thousands of dollars.
"This group is loosely associated with other groups across the nation, committing similar schemes under the name Operation Homeless. Losses have been reported in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri," Officer Katie Flood said.
More arrests are expected. Police know the identity of the other two men who worked with Bellew.
At this point, they do not know who is printing the checks and collecting the money.
