- 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?
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4. How can I tell if a check or money order is counterfeit?
These phony checks and money orders are so realistic-looking that even bank tellers are fooled. They may look like cashiers checks, checks from business accounts, money orders, and travelers or gift checks. The companies whose names appear on them may be real, but the checks have been dummied up without their knowledge. Even if you call the bank and learn that there is an account in the name of the person or company on a check, that doesn’t mean it’s valid. It’s also tricky to confirm that a money order or a cashier’s check is real, since the crook could have actually purchased one and made copies to distribute to victims. Here are some sources to help identify counterfeits.
