Northern Michigan Business Out $284,000 After Being Duped by Fake Bank Scam

A Northern Michigan business is out nearly $284,000 after depositing the large sum of money into a fake bank account.

While vulnerable individuals and unsuspecting elderly citizens often fall prey to elaborate schemes to bilk them of their hard-earned money, businesses can be susceptible to large-scale fraud as well.

What Are the Details?

A business located on Hall Street in Traverse City reportedly paid for services that had been performed by another unnamed business in Traverse City. That business, located on North Three Mile Road, reported that they had not received payment.

It was then discovered that someone had set up a fake email address and bank account in the name of the latter business, and that's where the nearly $284,000 ended up.

Sgt. Ryan Taylor of the Traverse City Police Department tells the Traverse City Record Eagle that it's one of the largest cases of fraud he has seen in the city. The police report does not indicate if the fraudulent payment was made all at once or as multiple payments.

FBI is on the Case

Since the case involves such a large sum of money, the Federal Bureau of Investigations has been called upon to help investigate.

At a recent press conference (not related to this case) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel made a general statement, saying bad actors need to be held accountable for fraudulent actions.

"When those who operate these businesses pervert the process and commit outright fraud and forgery, and in doing so swindle their clients out of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, these bad actors must be held accountable," Nessel said.