Deputies are seeking seven males suspected of cashing $14,000 worth of fraudulent checks in Preble County.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating after Twin Valley Bank, with branches in Gratis and West Alexandria, grew suspicious of a number of checks being cashed at the two branches from Cleary Machine Company.

the call was made to deputies on Friday, Nov. 16.

Deputies said officials at the Gratis branch grew suspicious and called the company to ask about the checks. Company officials said the checks were stolen and the bank called the Sheriff’s Office.

The seven males cashed a total of 14 checks for amounts just less than $1,000. Law enforcement officials said the Hispanic males used fake identification to obtain the cash.

Deputies are searching for the suspects.