September 17, 2019

There is a growing threat of fake check scams and the steps consumers can take to protect themselves. Checks may seem like a relic of the past, but according to the most recent Federal Reserve Payments study, banks process nearly 18 billion checks annually. And, according to data from both the banking industry and government agencies, check fraud is on the rise.

Chances are you’ve been the target of a fake check scam. Maybe a scammer contacted you about an item you listed for sale online or you saw a too-good-to-be-true offer to work from home on social media. The fraudsters are sophisticated and convincing, and while their scams may vary, there’s one constant: check fraud.

We are offering the following precautions to recognize scams involving check fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim.

• Slow down. Before you act, talk to someone you trust and contact your bank.
• Never send money back to someone who sent you a check.
• Selling online? Consider using an online payment service.
• Never take a check for more than your selling price.
• Spot this scam? Tell the Federal Trade Commission (gov/complaint).

Read More Articles

Read More About Community Partnerships