Protection Against Fraudulent Check Scams

What are check scams?

Check scams happen when a scammer issues an individual a realistic-looking check or money order and asks for cash in return. Some common scenarios that scammers fabricate include:

• Lottery schemes
• Overseas business offers
• Online auction overpayments
• Apartment rentals or roommates
• Dating websites or romantic chatrooms
• Work-at-home ads

Tips to help avoid check scams:

• Be cautious of any offer that sounds too good to be true
• Be cautious of any offer that requires you to purchase something, wire money, or provide account information in order to win a prize
• Do not use contact information obtained from a letter or email received to verify the legitimacy of the information provided—use an independent verification process