It seems like it would be great news if someone told you that you’d won a sweepstakes prize. But if you ever receive a check and the sender asks you to send them any money back, you are the target of fraud. According to the NCL, fake check schemes are the most commonly reported type of internet fraud. No matter how legit a check or money order looks, even if you are able to cash it, you will be responsible for any funds deposited and withdrawn. Unfortunately, by the time you realize it’s a scam, it’s usually too late.
Here is some advice for recognizing and avoiding a fake check scam:
- There are many variations on the fake check scam. The scammer may offer to buy something you are selling, claim you have won a sweepstakes prize, or pay you to work at home.
- Scammers hunt for victims. They may track you down through contact information you have listed on auction or job sites or may post their own ads to solicit potential victims.
- The sender often claims to be in another country. The scammer will contact you and tell you that sending money from their country is complicated, but they will arrange for someone in the U.S. to send you a check.
- They ask you to wire some money back after you’ve deposited the check. If you are selling something, they might send you a check made out for much more than the asking price, and ask you to wire them the difference.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For more tips on how you can identify a scam in progress, check out the National Consumers League site on fake checks.
11 Comments on "Outsmart Scammers: Recognizing A Fake Check"
cheryl brown
I wonder how come internet business do not register with their town or state.I personaly think there should be a goverment web-site for people to register and also must have a tax id number. If they intend to use the internet they should register. Other wise the goverment should be able to delete the site from the internet. Or a special site should be set up for people who want to do business. And each year have to pay taxes.
Christine Tanner
i live in nj and been getting phone calls saying i won trips and other things one i get wake up by the phone it was some guy say my his wife going kill me and what for two then say going call the poile on him
cascade
Always report these calls or mail to either better buisness beaurou(sp) or to your local Police Dept , We have had people offer us loans… IF we give them a blank SIGNED check to prove we had a checking acct. they went down a month later (police envolement, gee I wonder why:)) Had a man call 2 times stating he was my boy friend from NY…. I’m celicate, told him to #%$#^$^#%$….off. Anything out off the ordinary, report it. If it is consistant…keep track of in on a piece or two of paper,WHILE reporting it to one or BOTH of the two athorities! DON”T BE VICTIM. The only way to keep your rights…..is to use them.:)
TRUEBLUE
I GET IT ALL THE TIME , YOUR RIGHT TO GOOD TO BE TRUE , I PUT IT AS SPAM EVERY ONE SHOULD BE HIP BY NOW , SO I DONT SEE WHY PEOPLE ARE GETTING RIPED OFF ?
robin gist
i have had this happen to me many times. and after i tell them i have kept the emails they have sent me to show to my local police department so they can ivestigate where it is they are sending the emails to me from .they stop sending them and go away never to be heard from again lol … it is messed up for me to say but my trick works .but i know there’s still alot of people out there falling for these scams .
Adams
The variations are very confusing… they can include a valid driver’s license, a fake cashier’s check, invalid license plate AND meet face-to-face… Trueblue- believe me, everyone should be aware of the scams, but the variations are intended to confuse and deceive - scam artists are very good in the business of deception. Speaking from experience
cascade
Adams,how true…IF anything does not seem right ,or gives a feeling… call for help and to check it out, always better to be safe than sorry. Even new scams need someone to report ..the first one… be unafraid as possible. If it feels wrong or to easy…it is and needs to be reported to; protect you and others. This is their job, this is what they are great at… Lets not deny them:))
brandon
i got scammed as for being mystery shopper and didnt know it was fake check, so felt that we all need to be more careful. As that to avoid any job offer from email or any thing from internet.
happy
I had an item on Craigslist and got an email from someone who wanted to send me a check and have a delivery service pick up the item.
I told them CASH ONLY in person and never heard from them again.
valerie.beman
my name is valerie
institute this forum while searching looking for grants.
anticipation i can cure you guys also.
erostutszinee
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