Melanie Gonzalez, 20, of Chicago (inset) was arrested after committing forgery at the Lake Zurich Currency Exchange on March 29, prosecutors said. | Background Photo: Google Street View

Prosecutors say a Chicago woman, who is part of a fraud crew in the area, was arrested after trying to cash a fake check at a currency exchange in Lake Zurich.

Melanie Gonzalez, 20, of Chicago, was charged with one count of forgery by issuing or delivering a document.

The Lake Zurich Police Department responded on March 29 to Lake Zurich Currency Exchange, which is located at 592 West Main Street, for a panic alarm, according to Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Francis DeRosa.

Officers were told that Gonzalez was part of a crew who had been cashing fake checks at different currency exchanges.

The clerk identified Gonzalez as the suspect, DeRosa said.

The check was printed on normal paper and the coloring was faded. The clerk said a checker reader reported the check was not real, DeRosa said.

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The check, which was over $3,800, was listed as being from an insurance company for a collision payout.

Gonzalez was arrested and admitted she knew the check was fictitious, DeRosa said.

Gonzalez also admitted she is part of a crew who cashes fake checks.

Officers were shown text messages between Gonzalez and the ring leader of the crew, who gives Gonzalez $300 per check cashed.

Gonzalez’s aunt was arrested in Palatine around the same time for also trying to pass a fake check, DeRosa said.

Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Gonzalez held on a $50,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 26.