RAINIER, Ore. -- A thief used fake checks matched to a Rainier couple's bank account to cash in on thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, the victims said Monday.

Pam and Lee Crocker, caretakers of Rainier's Prescott Beach Park, get by with Social Security and a small salary. Pam, diagnosed with diabetes, and Lee, diagnosed with cancer, said an identity thief tried to make a living by using their real bank account to cash fake checks.

The couple said it took months to receive all their money back and the anxiety -- on top of their illnesses -- was almost too much.

"It's been a lot. I was pulling hair," said Lee Crocker. "I was already going through enough trauma. It was just devastating."

The Crockers said they have been working hard to protect their identities.

"We burn everything that comes in the house that has our name, Social Security numbers," Crocker said. "It all goes in that wood stove."

Their efforts didn't stop the identity thief. Pam Crocker said the thief's work even impressed the bank employee.

"She had never seen a check printed out so good," Crocker said.

Columbia County sheriff's deputies are investigating the case.

Rainier Couple Hit By Check Fraud