- What is a fake check scam?
- What are the warning signs?
- What are the most common types of fake check scams?
- How can I tell if a check or money order is counterfeit?
- How do the scammers find victims?
- If I can get the cash, doesn't that mean the check or money order is good?
- Why can’t my bank, credit union, or check cashing service tell if the check or money order is good?
- Why do the scammers want cash to be sent using a money transfer service?
- How much could I lose in a fake check scam?
Page 1 | Page 2 >
2. What are the warning signs?
New variations of fake check scams constantly pop up, but in each case they give you a realistic-looking check or money order and ask you to send cash in return.
- Scammers befriend you and ask you to cash a check or money order as a favor.
- They want to buy something that you are selling and send a check or money order for more than you're asking.
- They hire you to work at home and ask you to deposit checks or money orders in your account as part of your job. Sometimes they have you open a new account for the "business", but you're still responsible for any checks that you deposit.
- They send you a check or money order as an "advance" on the millions that you're going to receive from a sweepstakes, lottery, or inheritance.
- They offer you a foreign business deal and send you a check or money order as an advance on your profits.
