MATTAWA — The Mattawa and Royal City police departments, along with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a new case in fraudulent check cashing that has recently began to affect area businesses.

Two suspects identified in the case include Kari Bryan, 35, of Moses Lake, and Adelaido Alaniz, 34, of Othello.

Mattawa alone has seen a total loss of $2,410.76 due to the fraudulent check cashing at local business explained Mattawa police chief, Joe Harris. Other Grant County areas affected include Royal City and Desert Aire he said.

Mom and pop shops known for cashing H-2A checks have been the biggest target so far Harris explained. The checks have not been stolen, however, they are fake and have been printed up and made to look like paychecks.

“We’re kind of shifting to prevention mode,” said Harris.

Area businesses have begun taking preventative steps in an effort to identify and cut down on further fraudulent checks being cashed. Those steps include taking a photo copy of ID’s of people cashing checks, and some may also begin to require thumbprints when cashing checks.

“We cannot thank the businesses enough for taking the preventative steps,” said Harris. “And we can’t thank them enough for reporting them in a timely manner.”

The businesses have also been quick to notify each other and the authorities, sending photos of the suspects and checks as they come.

The Mattawa Police Department has also been working on putting out as much information as possible on their Facebook site as it comes in to help keep the public aware. Anyone with information on the case or suspects is asked to notify the police department.