Scam checks in mail

The pesky scam checks in the mail!

It's not uncommon for people to receive suspicious checks in the mail, often accompanied by a letter or email claiming to be from a legitimate company or organization. These checks are usually part of a scam designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information or sending money to the scammers.

Here are some common characteristics of scam checks:

  1. Unsolicited: You didn't request the check, and it's not related to any legitimate transaction or service you've used.
  2. Suspicious sender: The check is from a company or organization you've never heard of, or the sender's name and address seem fake.
  3. Overpayment: The check is for more than the amount you were expecting or for a service you didn't request.
  4. Request for information: The letter or email accompanying the check asks you to provide personal or financial information, such as your bank account number, Social Security number, or credit card information.
  5. Urgency: The letter or email creates a sense of urgency, claiming that you need to respond quickly or the check will be invalid.

What to do if you receive a scam check:

  1. Do not cash the check: It's likely to be a fake or stolen check, and cashing it could result in you being held responsible for the amount.
  2. Do not respond to the letter or email: Ignore any requests for information or money.
  3. Contact the company or organization: If you're unsure about the legitimacy of the check, contact the company or organization directly to verify the check's authenticity.
  4. Report the scam: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local authorities.

Some common scams involving checks include:

  1. Phony investment schemes: Scammers send fake checks to lure you into investing in a fake scheme.
  2. Lottery or prize scams: You're told you've won a prize or lottery, but you need to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim your winnings.
  3. Work-from-home scams: Scammers send fake checks to pay for a work-from-home opportunity, but it's actually a scam to steal your money or personal information.

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with unsolicited checks or requests for information. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!