SAN FERNANDO : Group to Host Class to Deter Check Fraud

One weekend about seven years ago, a band of check kiters cashed nearly $10,000 in fake checks in Mike Majers’ liquor store on San Fernando Road.

Since then, Majers has become a man with a mission: to spread information on how to catch grifters of every ilk.

On Wednesday, Majers will conduct a workshop sponsored by the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce on how merchants can protect their businesses from crime. The workshop will include techniques on how to spot false identification and credit cards, prevent shoplifting and limit potential for embezzlement.

“I learned about these schemes in the school of hard knocks,” Majers said. “Now, I go after them right and left. I want to prosecute to the fullest extent possible. The ones that don’t plead guilty, I go face in court. I tell the judge: ‘This person attempted to rob me. By trying to cash a bad check, he was trying to take my money, and that amounts to robbery.’ ”

So far, Majers has filed more than 100 small-claims cases over the years. Working closely with the San Fernando Police Department, Majers said he and his staff have helped police arrest an average of 250 con artists, shoplifters or other criminals each year in his store.

Majers’ program, part of the chamber’s breakfast workshop series, will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills. Reservations are required. Tickets cost $20 for chamber members and $30 for others, with breakfast included.

For information, call (818) 361-1184.