San Antonio police say a woman walked into a local bank, cashed a counterfeit check for more than $20,000, and walked out with the money. Now detectives want the public’s help putting a name to the face captured in surveillance photos.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, the fraudulent withdrawal happened on March 9. Investigators with the Financial Crimes Unit say the bank reported that the woman seen in the surveillance images was the person who made the withdrawal, and that the missing amount exceeds $20,000.
The department publicly posted the photos on April 15 and is asking anyone who recognizes the woman to call detectives at 210-207-8211.
Photos Released And What Police Want
In its Facebook alert, the Financial Crimes Unit said it is asking for the public’s help in locating and identifying the person shown in the images tied to the March 9 transaction. The department wrote that anyone who recognizes the woman or has information that could help the investigation should contact detectives.
Police say even small tips can help, especially in financial crimes where a single lead can connect multiple cases.
How To Report Tips
Victims and witnesses are asked to report information directly to SAPD’s Financial Crimes Unit. The city notes that most financial-crime cases are handled by appointment and asks people to call 210-207-7451 before coming in. Details are available through City of San Antonio.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP.
Context And What Victims Should Do
Check scams and related fraud are a growing problem in San Antonio, particularly for older residents, and police say reporting these crimes helps them spot patterns, according to KSAT. Officials urge victims not to shrug off suspicious activity, even if the bank has already reimbursed losses.
The Federal Trade Commission advises anyone who suspects they have been targeted in a scam to file a report online, contact their bank immediately, and consider placing fraud alerts or credit freezes with the major credit bureaus to help secure their accounts.
Legal Note
SAPD lists the offense in this investigation as p.c. 31.03 - theft. Under the Texas Legislature, theft is defined as unlawfully appropriating property with intent to deprive the owner of it. Penalties vary based on the value of the property and the circumstances of the case, and any formal charges would be determined later by prosecutors as the investigation develops.
Anyone who recognizes the woman in the photos or has information connected to the March 9 transaction is asked to call detectives at 210-207-8211 or the Financial Crimes Unit at 210-207-7451. Additional information and victim resources are available through City of San Antonio.
