News Summary
The Myrtle Beach Police Department is investigating a significant stolen check scheme affecting over 800 victims, primarily local business owners, with losses exceeding $2 million. The police arrested two suspects found with thousands of stolen checks after reports of suspicious activity. Victims who mailed checks between July 6 and July 11 are encouraged to contact law enforcement if they suspect fraud. Community concerns are rising as businesses may need to change bank account numbers due to this extensive theft operation.
Myrtle Beach – The Myrtle Beach Police Department is currently investigating a massive stolen check scheme that has potentially impacted over 800 victims, with an estimated total loss exceeding $2 million. The police have reported that the majority of the victims identified thus far are local business owners, and they have only reached out to around 50 individuals to date.
Law enforcement officials are particularly worried about those who mailed checks between July 6 and July 11. Lt. Tom Vest has indicated that if checks mailed during this period have not yet been cashed, there is a significant likelihood that the sender may fall victim to this extensive theft operation.
On July 11, police arrested two individuals, Devonte Dawkins, age 25, and Willie Perry, age 24, after they discovered thousands of stolen checks in their possession. The arrests were made following officers noticing a suspicious vehicle near the Comfort Suites hotel, where the two men were observed loitering. Upon further investigation, officers uncovered checks valued at $473,125.63 from two local businesses.
Both Dawkins and Perry have prior criminal records in Florida and are currently detained at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. Their bonds have been set at $200,000 and $210,000 respectively. The police continue to work diligently to assess the full scope of the scheme, including how the suspects obtained the checks and whether they were working independently or as part of a larger group.
This incident has raised significant concerns within the community, as affected businesses, charities, and individuals may be forced to change their bank account numbers and investigate further fraudulent activities as a result of this crime. Edward Benton, vice president of CL Benton and Sons, reported losses amounting to several hundred thousand dollars due to checks being stolen from his construction company. Benton expressed his frustration and concern regarding the methods used by the suspects to access the company’s checks.
As check fraud continues to rise, a local bank representative has noted a notable increase in such cases, surpassing even incidents of debit card fraud. In light of this alarming trend, the Myrtle Beach Police Department is urging anyone who may have been affected by this scheme to report it. Individuals who mailed checks within the Myrtle Beach city limits during the specified dates and suspect any fraudulent activity are encouraged to contact the police department directly at 843-918-2900 or via email at [email protected].
Authorities are dedicated to identifying additional victims and mitigating further risks from this significant fraud case. As the investigation continues, updates may be provided as more information comes to light regarding the scale of the operation and any additional suspects involved.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Check Fraud
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Check Fraud
- WPDE News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- WIS News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Check Fraud
- MSN News
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
