Fake checks plaguing some downtown Farmers Market vendors

The Downtown Farmers' Market in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 5, 2010. (Stephen Mally/Freelance)

As the Downtown Farmers’ Market heats up again  this weekend, vendors may want to give extra scrutiny to the checks they receive as payment – especially those bearing the name DDL Construction.

An account tied to the name closed over a year ago, but its checks have resurfaced at farmers markets in Iowa and in surrounding states – including at least one time in Cedar Rapids, said Jill Wilkins, director of downtown events for the city.

The checks have been used by a woman who found them after they became invalid, she said.

“It sounds like this person has been doing this for a while,” Wilkins said.  “Now that the markets are starting up, it might be something we see more of.”

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said police have not received any reports of the false DDL Construction checks, but the best defense against check fraud is to simply ask for identification, she added.

“You always have the opportunity to make sure that a person is who they say they are,” Hamblin said.

Wilkins asks vendors who spot fake checks to call her at 319-398-0449