Phony Bartow Schools Checks Circulate

' Superintendent John Harper wants local business owners to be on the lookout for fake checks circulating the area and purporting to be school system system paychecks.

“One of the things that concerns me is there has been several checks that have been written, not only in Bartow County but other counties,” said Harper.

Harper added several local merchants in the county and surrounding counties have already seen five or six of these phony checks.

On the phony checks, Harper, who's signature is placed on the check, was not listed. A “Dr. Harp,” however, was listed as the superintendent.

“They've taken one of our checks and copied some of that information and just wrote a check,” added Harper. “Unfortunately for the merchant in Adairsville that cashed that last bad check, it's gonna cost them some money.”

Harper said the last check amount was about $345.

“For a merchant to loose $345 or any amount...well it's criminal, of course,” Harper added. “I'd just like the community to be aware.”

Harper said the system has notified its banks and wants all of the local merchants to be cautious of any checks.

“Make sure it is a legitimate check,” said Harper. “If they have some concerns about that and hours are appropriate, give us a call about that and we'll verify it."