Ask Questions to Avoid Fake Check Scams

Fake checks appear so genuine that even tellers can be fooled. The crooks creating these checks often call or email victims to tell them they have won a sweepstakes or inherited money.

The crook invents an excuse to explain why the check is written for an amount larger than the total owed to the recipient. The crook may claim to be helping the recipient get faster access to funds by sending the too-large check and allowing the recipient to return the excess funds by wire transfer.

Because the check appears real, some financial institutions unwittingly allow the recipient to withdraw funds immediately. The recipient then wires the "excess" funds to the crook. When the scam is discovered, the financial institution typically withdraws the amount of the check from the victim's account. Meanwhile, the victim loses the amount sent by wire transfer, often thousands of dollars.

The best way to avoid falling for fake checks and other scams is to ask questions.

Why do you need that information?
When anyone asks for personal information--check routing numbers, driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers or other data--ask why it is required. Unless you're convinced by the answer, refuse to provide it. Never provide information when someone else starts the transaction or the request for information.

Is this check genuine?
Crooks sometimes use fake cashier's checks to pay for items advertised for sale. The seller accepts the fake check and lets the buyer leave with the purchase, only discovering the scam when attempting to deposit the check. Ask someone at Heritage to inspect the check before giving someone your property.

What can you do for me?
If you spot a potential scam or know you've been taken advantage of, come into Heritage and we can help protect you against fraud. There are also a number of consumer protection agencies that we can help you contact.