City Warns of Counterfeit Gainesville Checks

Scammers are issuing fake checks bearing the city's name to pay for nonexistent work and supplies, the city said.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Financial Crime

City Warns of Counterfeit Gainesville Checks

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The City of Gainesville issued a warning about counterfeit checks bearing its name. Scammers are using the fake checks as payment for nonexistent supplies and services or fake remote job opportunities, and victims who spend the funds may be held responsible when the checks fail to clear.

Why it matters

Residents and businesses that deposit a fraudulent check and withdraw or spend the money can be left owing the full amount when the check bounces. The city stated that no city funds have been lost to the activity.

The city is directing residents to the Department of Financial Services at 352-334-5057 for check questions and to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office at 352-955-1818 or the Gainesville Police Department at 352-393-7500 to report fraud. No suspects or arrests were identified in the warning.

The players

City of Gainesville

The city government of Gainesville, Florida, which issued the warning and whose name is being used on the counterfeit checks.

Alachua County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency for Alachua County that takes reports of check and other fraud in the Gainesville area.

The details

Scammers issue the counterfeit checks as payment for nonexistent supplies and services or for fake remote jobs, and victims deposit them and withdraw or spend the funds before the checks fail to clear. The city said individuals are responsible for any money withdrawn against a deposited check.

November 10, 2026: The City of Gainesville released its warning about counterfeit checks.

Legal Context

Counterfeit check scams like this one follow a familiar pattern in which fraudsters borrow the name of a trusted payer so that the funds appear legitimate. Under the standard rule that depositors are responsible for funds withdrawn against checks that later fail, victims can owe the full amount even though they were defrauded.

Residents and businesses should verify any check from the city with the Department of Financial Services before depositing it or spending the funds. Anyone who receives a suspicious check or job offer should report it to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office or the Gainesville Police Department.

The takeaway

A check is not verified simply because it looks official, so confirm any unexpected payment with the issuer before withdrawing money against it. Funds that are spent before a check clears can leave the depositor owing the full amount.