Fake Check Scams – Article ( Articles )
Fake Check Scams (FCS)
Don’t Get Caught in the Paper Trail of Deception
The allure of easy money is a powerful temptation, and scammers know it. One of their most common tactics is the fake check scam, a deceptive scheme that preys on unsuspecting individuals with the promise of quick cash.
How FCS Work:
The scam typically involves a seemingly legitimate offer, often for a job, a prize, or an overpayment for a product or service. The scammer sends you a check, often for a large sum, and instructs you to deposit it into your bank account. They then ask you to wire a portion of the funds back to them, claiming it’s for expenses, taxes, or a refund.
Here’s the catch: the check is fake. It might look authentic, but it’s drawn on a non-existent account or a compromised account. Your bank will eventually discover the fraud, and you will be held responsible for the entire amount of the fake check, even the portion you wired back to the scammer.
Common Types of FCS:
- Overpayment scams: You receive a check for more than the agreed-upon amount and are instructed to keep the extra.
- Mystery shopper scams: You are hired to evaluate a business by making purchases with a provided check.
- Job scams: You are offered a job that involves receiving and depositing checks, then wiring money back to the employer.
How to Protect Yourself from FCS:
- Be wary of unsolicited offers: If you receive a check from someone you don’t know or haven’t done business with, be extremely cautious.
- Never deposit a check and then wire money back: This is a classic sign of a fake check scam.
- Verify the check’s legitimacy: Contact the issuing bank to confirm the check’s authenticity.
- Trust your instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Consequences of FCS:
- Financial loss: You could lose the entire amount of the fake check.
- Damaged credit: The scam could affect your credit score.
- Legal trouble: You could be charged with fraud if you knowingly participate in the scam.
Remember: If you receive a check that seems suspicious, don’t fall for the scammer’s promises. Contact your bank and local law enforcement to report the scam.
Stay vigilant and don’t let the promise of easy money blind you to the dangers of fake check scams.
Agency Resources:
- (FTC) (consumer.ftc.gov) – How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams
- (FTC) (consumer.ftc.gov) – Scammers target young adults on social media with fake check scam
- (FDIC) (www.fdic.gov) – Beware of Fake Checks (PDF 2-pages)
- (USPIS) (www.uspis.gov) – Check Fraud – Counterfeit Check Scam
- (NCAU) (ncua.gov) – Consumer Warning: Consumers Should Be Vigilant and Avoid Depositing Checks from Unknown Parties