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Fake Check Scams
Fake Check Scams
Fake Check Scams
Any written request, with no context, asking for money in exchange for a check or money order is likely a scam. The most important point is that there is no legitimate reason any of these situations would require your response. A good rule of thumb: If you’re unsure, don’t send anything. It’s better to be safe than lose your money for good.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fake check scams come in many forms, but they always include someone giving you a realistic check or money order and asking you to wire money elsewhere, even to a place or person you may recognize.
After sending legitimate money, you try to deposit or cash the check or money order only to determine it’s counterfeit. You end up losing the money you sent and possibly owing the bank or credit union money from the fraudulent transaction. You could even be charged with check fraud as the victim.
Be on high alert if you receive the following:
- A notice from the government or a foundation stating you’re the recipient of grant money and that a processing fee is due back.
- An unknown person sends you a check from a foreign business deal and promises to send you the rest of the profits if you pay the legal fee upfront.
- A message from someone online asking you to help cash a check or money order.
- A promise of a lucrative career as a secret shopper, but only if you send additional money as part of your job.
- A check for something you’re selling online, but it’s for a much higher value than the item is worth, followed by a request from the sender to send the remaining money somewhere else.
- A request to send money back due to an overpayment, but the requestor asks for a gift card. This is a scam — gift cards are for gifts, not payments.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud, please contact our team immediately by calling 877-279-1300.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud, please contact our team immediately by calling 877-279-1300.