Officials Add System to Guard County Checkbook
By Ken DeLaat

(Times-Indicator – Wednesday, February 7, 2007)

As check fraud becomes more prevalent to this electronic age, smaller communities have become targets for fiscal predators.

Newaygo County Treasurer Holly Moon said that she and other local officials are working on ways to prevent a loss of county funds. Moon said that several Michigan counties have fallen victim to having their accounts compromised by thieves. Moon said that she has worked closely with Independent Bank officials and County Clerk Laurel Breuker’s office to implement a “positive pay” system for the county’s checking accounts.

“When a check is presented that doesn’t have a match in four critical areas, it becomes and “exception item,” Moon explained. “The first thing every morning, the bank posts these exceptions for us to review. Payment decisions are then made by me or my deputy and are submitted to the bank within a three-hour time frame. If no instructions are received, the bank returns all items.”

These steps enable the Treasurer’s Office to identify fraudulent checks as they occur, which allows for immediate action to defend against the threat of financial loss for the County.

For more information, contact Moon’s office at 689-7230.