Don't Fall for Fake Check Scams

You have probably heard through the news of fake check scams. Don’t get caught in this illegal activity. Fake check scams are clever ploys designed to steal your money. There are many variations of the scam. It could start with someone offering to buy something you advertised, pay you to work from home, or request you help them cash a sizeable check. They are very convincing in leading you to believe the offer is legitimate.
The scam works when the fraudster sends you a check or money order for your goods or services. The check is for more than the purchase price of goods or service. The fraudster asks you to send the difference back to them as "change" or to cover "taxes" or "administrative fees". After you send the money, your bank informs you that their check or money order has bounced.
Because the counterfeit check or money order looks so real, even bank tellers may be fooled. Although you receive the money immediately, it may be weeks before it is discovered to be fake.
At that point the check bounces and you are left holding the bag. The bank will deduct the amount that was originally credited to your account, and if you don’t have enough funds to cover the counterfeit item, you will still be responsible for the funds.
Remember…there is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back. If someone you do not know wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashier’s check for the exact amount from a bank that has a branch in your area.
If you would like more information on this topic go to www.fakechecks.org.