Hailey
A bank in Manhattan, Kansas suffered a financial loss of $7,500 after two forged checks were successfully cashed at the same branch on November 28, 2025. The thefts happened less than an hour apart and are now part of an active investigation by local authorities.
Both transactions occurred at a bank located in the 1000 block of Westloop Place, where staff later discovered the checks were fraudulent.
Police have opened two separate theft cases, each tied to a different forged check, but investigators have not yet confirmed whether the same individual or group was involved.
What Happened at the Bank?
The incident unfolded quickly during the late morning hours when two forged checks were cashed by an unknown suspect or suspects.
Bank officials later realized the checks were counterfeit, prompting immediate reports to the police.
Key details include:
- A $5,000 forged check was cashed first.
- A second $2,500 forged check was cashed just minutes later.
- Combined loss: $7,500.
- Both checks were processed at the same teller location within approximately 41 minutes of each other.
Authorities are treating the events as separate theft cases, though similarities suggest the possibility of a connected scheme.
Timeline of the Forged Check Transactions
To better understand how the fraud occurred, here is a clear breakdown of the timeline:
Timeline of the Manhattan Bank Forged Check Losses
| Incident | Date | Time (Approx.) | Location | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First forged check | Nov 28, 2025 | 10:58 a.m. | Bank on 1000 block of Westloop Place | $5,000 | Suspect cashed forged check at teller counter |
| Second forged check | Nov 28, 2025 | 11:39 a.m. | Same bank branch | $2,500 | Separate forged check cashed |
| Total bank loss | Nov 28, 2025 | — | Same location | $7,500 | Combined result of two fraudulent checks |
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the identities, physical descriptions, or methods used by the individuals involved.
Police Investigation and Community Appeal
The Riley County Police Department has launched a full investigation, classifying both cases as check-forgery thefts.
The bank quickly reported the suspicious transactions after discovering inconsistencies on the checks, prompting officers to document both incidents separately.
At this time:
- The suspects remain unknown.
- No arrests have been made.
- Investigators have not verified whether the two forged checks are linked to the same person or to a coordinated fraud operation.
The public has been encouraged to come forward with any relevant information. Local Crime Stoppers programs are offering anonymous reporting options, and some tips may qualify for reward money if they lead to an arrest.
Why This Case Matters
Cases involving forged checks continue to rise nationwide, despite increasing digital security measures.
Criminals often exploit gaps in bank verification procedures, especially during busy hours when staff may have limited time to analyze check details.
This particular incident highlights several ongoing challenges:
For Banks
- Need for stronger fraud detection systems
- Importance of verifying check authenticity, especially for large amounts
- Increased staff training on identifying forgery red flags
For Customers
- Regularly monitoring account activity
- Enabling real-time bank alerts
- Reporting suspicious withdrawals immediately
- Protecting personal and financial information from theft
Banks typically investigate such cases thoroughly to determine whether liability falls on the bank, the account holder, or both, depending on the circumstances and security protocols followed.
The forged check scam that cost a Manhattan, Kansas bank $7,500 serves as a reminder of how quickly financial fraud can occur and how hard it can be to track down perpetrators.
With two forged checks cashed within just 41 minutes, the incident exposes vulnerabilities in in-person banking and underscores the need for tighter security checks.
As the investigation continues, both banks and customers are urged to remain vigilant. Faster reporting, smarter verification systems, and public awareness can significantly reduce the chances of such scams succeeding in the future.