By Cass Rains, Staff Writer
Security National Bank is working to form an Enid chapter of Metro Area Fraud Investigators Association.
“The program brings together representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, retail merchants, check cashing facilities, insurance agencies and others to exchange information aimed at reducing losses which occur when fraudulent activity moves into an area,” said April Danahy, SNB vice president of communications and human resources.
“We are in the very beginning stages of forming the Enid chapter of Metro Area Fraud Investigators Association, and we are hoping to get a great working list of agencies, companies and individuals interested in the program,” Danahy said. “Security National Bank has a great working relationship with our law enforcement community. The more individuals and businesses we can communicate with, the more opportunity law enforcement has to curtail white-collar crimes.”
There are existing M.A.F.I.A. chapters in Oklahoma City, Lawton, Tulsa, Durant and Muskogee.
Area law enforcement officials expressed interest in participating with the group.
“That is something we would take part in and be interested in doing,” said Enid Police Department Capt. Dean Grassino. “If we can cut down on stolen and forged checks, obviously it would be beneficial to everybody. If we can cut down on the losses it helps everyone.”
Undersheriff Jerry Niles said Garfield County Sheriff’s Office also would participate in the group’s meetings.
“The Garfield County Sheriffs Department would be very interested in participating in this group, as the sheriff’s department has always been a strong advocate for communication and educating the public,” Niles said. “ Criminal investigation and prevention begins with interaction with all the citizens of Garfield County. Sheriff Winchester has a motto of, ‘See it, hear it, report it,’ and we know that knowledge and education is a powerful tool in stopping crime.”
The meeting’s topics will include counterfeit checks, new account fraud, identity theft and other white collar crimes.
Danahy said the bank plans to have the first meeting of Enid’s M.A.F.I.A. chapter before the holidays.
Those interested in being involved or attending a meeting are asked to contact Diana Miller, SNB vice president of operations, at 234-5151.
