Recently I posted about a rash of fake check scams going around Connecticut. This is a nationwide problem that prompted the United States Postal Service in conjuction with the National Consumers League to set up the website http://www.fakechecks.org/. Consumers can learn more about fake check scams and report fraudulent activity on this site. Consumers are also asked to call 1-800-372-8347 if they’ve been scammed.
The USPS has some pretty strong advice for consumers. They quote Susan Grant, vice president of the National Consumers League. She says, “there is no legitimate reason anyone would mail you a check or money order and then ask you to wire money in return,” Grant said. “People need to know that checks can take months to clear, even if the money initially looks like it’s in your account. The scammers know that, and most consumers don’t.”
Fakechecks.org also outlines the six most popular scams:
Foreign Business Offers: Scammers pretend to be businesspeople or government officials and promise millions of dollars. But real companies and government agencies don’t offer legitimate business propositions to people they don’t know.
Love Losses:The scammer poses as a romantic interest online, and promises to come to the U.S. to be with the victim. Soon after, the online friend asks the victim to cash a check or money order to cover “travel expenses.”
Overpayments: Scammers buy merchandise online, and then claim they mailed the wrong amount by mistake. The seller is asked to deposit the “wrong” check anyway, and then return the “excess” amount to the scammer. But the check doesn’t clear, and the victim has sent the scammer his own money.
Rental Schemes:Scammers claim to be moving to the area, and put down a rental deposit. Then they tell their landlord they have unexpected expenses, so they ask for some of their deposit back as a favor. They never move in, and the deposit check never clears.
Sudden Riches: The scammer claims the victim has won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes. The notice comes by mail, phone, fax or email. Consumers should know that winners of real cash prizes are notified by certified mail.
Work-at-Home: The scams promise easy money by “processing” checks. The victim deposits the checks and sends the money to the scammer, minus a small fee. Legitimate companies don’t do business like this.
