Cyber Corner

How to Spot a Fake Check Scam!

In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check— sometimes for several thousand dollars, and usually for more than you are owed — and send some of the money to another person. The scammers always have a good story to explain why you can’t keep all the money. They might say they need you to cover taxes or fees, you’ll need to buy supplies, or something else.

Fake checks come in many forms. They might look like business or personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, or a check delivered electronically. Here’s what you need to know about fake check scams.

How To Avoid a Fake Check Scam

• Never use money from a check to send gift cards, money orders, or wire money to strangers or someone you just met. Many scammers demand that you send money through money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram, or buy gift cards and send them the PIN numbers. Once you wire money, or give someone the gift card PINs, it is like giving someone cash. It’s almost impossible to get it back.
• Toss offers that ask you to pay for a prize. If it’s free, you shouldn’t have to pay to get it.
• Don’t accept a check for more than the selling price. You can bet it’s a scam.

Where To Report Fraud

If you think you’ve been targeted by a fake check scam, report it to:

• The Federal Trade Commission
• The U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• Your state Attorney General