INDIANAPOLIS -- Kroger customers notified that they've won a shoppers lottery are targets of a phony check scam, the chain said.

Kroger officials said upset customers have been bringing the checks to stores when they are rejected at commercial banks.

The chain said the checks are forgeries made from legitimate Kroger checks, with a Sherman Oaks return address and a JP Morgan Chase bank account in New York.

"This criminal act is particularly despicable during this difficult holiday season, raising false hopes during a time when so many families are in need in our local communities," said Kroger Public Affairs Manager John Elliott in a statement. "This is a season when we all should be investing our time, talent and resources in helping others, not stealing from innocent families."

Kroger officials said they plan to work with police to identify and prosecute those involved.

Anyone who received one of the checks is asked to call 1-800-KROGERS.