CHICAGO — A dozen people from the Chicago area face federal charges accusing them of using fake checks to steal thousands of dollars.

Federal prosecutors announced the charges on Monday. Twelve defendants were indicted on federal bank fraud charges and five also were charged with aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors say the group succeeded in stealing more than $700,000.

Members of the group are accused of creating both personal and corporate fake checks. Prosecutors say members of the group would cash the bogus checks at various local banks and share the proceeds among themselves.