Donald Plehn, 25, of Simi Valley was arrested Dec. 1 and charged with passing fraudulent checks to businesses throughout Simi Valley. He was arrested after police set up a property purchase sting.

Businesses such as Audio Concept, Simi Valley Computers, Best Buy and J&T Tackle provided goods and services to the suspect, who allegedly wrote checks on a closed bank account.

The suspect would then resell the items on Craigslist for reduced value profit, according to police reports.

Several computers and car stereorelated items were recovered during the investigation. The suspect also purchased a car in the San Fernando Valley using a bad check, police say.

Plehn is alleged to have written about $25,000 worth of bad checks. Most of the illegally obtained property has been recovered, and further inquiry is ongoing to locate other stolen items.

During the holiday season, business retailers are reminded to verify bank checks/ATM/credit cards and other forms of payment. Verifying the identity of the check writer will reduce this type of fraud.