WATERLOO - A local woman has learned thousands of dollars were stolen from her checking account, and up to a dozen others who have recently shopped at PetSmart in Waterloo may also be at risk.

Julie Wolkenhauer of Waterloo reported the theft of $2,884 from her checking account because of mishandling of a personal check by Waterloo PetSmart, located at 1506 Flammang Dr.

According to a Waterloo Police report, Wolkenhauer received a letter from PetSmart corporate indicating her checking account was likely compromised.

The letter said the perpetrator called Waterloo PetSmart posing as a person from a check validation company, and asked a clerk for bank account numbers and check routing numbers, according to reports. The letter further said the person on the phone asked for information regarding specific individuals, one of whom was Wolkenhauer.

Wolkenhauer told police counterfeit checks began coming through her account at Veridian Credit Union from a Chicago-area US Bank, according to reports. She could not be reached for comment.

The PetSmart clerk, who was not named, proceeded to give out information for approximately 12 people, according to reports.

"We think it's an isolated incident," said Jennifer Ericsson, a spokesperson for PetSmart, referring to the dozen people affected. She said letters were sent out to those 12 people and PetSmart was cooperating with local authorities in the investigation.

Contact Amie Steffen at (319) 291-1464 or amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com.