Someone sent me a fake check in the mail

That's frustrating and potentially concerning! Receiving a fake check in the mail can be a scam attempt to trick you into revealing personal or financial information. Here's what you should do:

  1. Do not deposit the check: It's essential to avoid depositing the check, as it may clear your account and then be reversed, leaving you with overdraft fees and potential financial losses.
  2. Contact the sender: Reach out to the person or company that sent you the check and ask them to confirm the authenticity of the check. Be cautious, as scammers may try to convince you to deposit the check and then ask for the money back.
  3. Verify the check: Check the check for any red flags, such as:
    • The check is from a company or individual you don't recognize.
    • The check has a low or unusual amount.
    • The check has a vague or generic description of the payment.
    • The check has a different address or phone number than the one you're familiar with.
  4. Report the incident: Inform your bank or financial institution about the fake check. They may be able to help you recover any losses and provide guidance on how to proceed.
  5. File a complaint: Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state's Attorney General's office. You can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
  6. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
  7. Consider a fraud alert: If you're concerned about your identity or financial information being compromised, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with unexpected or suspicious checks. If you're unsure about the authenticity of a check, it's best to avoid depositing it and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.