Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2022 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Journal and Courier Lafayette, IN Thursday, January 29, 1920 BAD CHECKS ARE CAUSE OF WORRY West Side Merchants Victimized by Students or Sharpers Posing as University Men. Serious misdemeanors by dishonest students or young men posing as students at Purdue university, have resulted in a number of privileges formerly accorded the student body by West Side and local merchants being withdrawn. The passing this week of a number of fraudulent checks has brought about a crisis in the situation. So many merchants having veen victimized that worthy students will now find it difficult to have a check cashed any place other than at the bank where they are known. Within the past five days, a West Lafayette student supply store unsuspectingly cashed worthless checks amount- ing to between ninety-five and one hundred dollars and other merchants have had similar unfortunate experiences. The largest check of this nature was probably one for fifty dollars, cashed about two months ago at one of the student supply stores. The most recent offense occurred Wednesday, when another similar establishment cashed a fraudulent check for eighteen dollars. OTHER DISHONEST PRACTICES The dishonest practices are not only confined to passing bad checks, but many petty acts of thievery have been committed. Overcoats have been stolen from the library and slide rules have been taken, also articles of clothing, books, university equipment - in fact most anything small enough to be carried away. Drastic measures will be taken in order to protect the interests of students and merchants. It is reported that a number of secret service men have been assigned to several cases and results are expected to be forthcoming. Among the objects reported to have been stolen is a federal check, which has brought government officers into the case. ==========================================================================