Georgetown nonprofit loses $95K after fraudulent check donation

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — A nonprofit in Georgetown lost thousands of dollars from what they thought was a generous donation. It turned out to be a bogus check.

Motorcycle Missions is an organization that helps veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder.

It offers programs like:

• Welding
• Track days
• Motocross
• Build mentorship
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation training

Krystal Hess founded the nonprofit nearly a decade ago.

"Trying to get them out of their head, getting their hands dirty, doing something constructive with their time," Hess said.

The organization, that relies on donations, is now out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

"This really does anger me. It's really sad that we're in this situation."

Krystal Hess, Motorcycle Missions Founder

Hess said an email came through from a stranger about donating money. Part of the email said that their work "always resonated deeply" with him.

"He was kind of giving us a little sob story about, you know, he's clearing out his assets and things and directing certain funds certain places," Hess said. "He's like, I want to send you some money."

She received a check for $95,000 and deposited it. Just a few days later, the person wanted some of it back.

Hess said the person said his assistant made a mistake and it was supposed to be for $50,000. He asked for $45,000 back.

"It cleared," Hess said. "So I felt confident sending this guy his money back. I wired it."

A few days later, she found out the check was actually fraudulent.

"The next thing you know, Chase Bank pulled the full $95,000 out of our account," Hess said. "Chase sent us a letter saying that, basically, they have the right to pull that check anytime that they want, even after it cleared our account."

This situation left Hess asking the community for support so she can continue this mission.

"Every time a veteran comes to me and tells me what this means to them, that's what keeps me going, and I don't intend on this keeping me from keeping on going," Hess said.

If you'd like to help Motorcycle Missions, click on this link to donate.

A common fraud tactic

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) noted that this is a common fraud tactic.

"By the time your bank realizes that that check is fraudulent, you've already sent money from your actual money from your account, and then you're just out of the money. Of course, the scammer disappears," said BBB Director of Education and Community Engagement Katie Galan.

Just a few months ago, KXAN reported on the Dyslexia Center of Austin also receiving a fraudulent $95,000 check.

Their bank realized the check was fake before anything happened.