Hundreds of check scams, and plenty of other cons such as telemarketing fraud, investment fraud and Internet auction fraud, take place nationwide each year. Recently a check scam surfaced using a bank’s logoed check and asking you to wire money after you deposit the fake check.
These scams are especially tricky because the checks look really real.
The Indiana attorney general said their office receives complaints all the time on check scams.
Here's how it works:
A check comes in the mail with the U.S. Bank logo on it. It matches the exact logo of the real company.
With it is a letter from HR Consult Financials that tells receivers they were electronically selected from an Internet database and have won $80,000.
It then gives instructions for proceeding with the first portion of the winnings, that $2,500 check.
Deposit the check in the bank. Then call the telephone number provided to activate the winnings. At that time, you will be asked to wire a processing fee of $800 and an administrative fee of $700. Those can only be made through Western Union or MoneyGram.
Once you send that money, the letter explains that the rest of your winning check will be sent to you in the amount of $77,500, delivered by FedEx or DHL.
People get so excitied about the prospect of receiving money they forget that if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Bank logos being used in a scam is not new and it happens to banks all the time, and with today's computers and printers, the logo and the check can look genuine.
If you are questioning the validity of a check, take it into the branch and have them check it out, and then they can let you know right away. The minute you deposit that check, it's on you.
That's exactly what the scammers want, you liable for the money.
Their hope is that you will deposit the check for $2,500 into your bank account and then wire the $1,500 before the bank realizes the check is phony.
Be wary of any type of program that asks you to wire money. This is a red flag of a scam. Don’t get caught owing money when you thought you would be receiving it. Always remember, if it is too good to be true, then it probably is a scam.
