Beware Check Scam

Reports of a check fraud scam targeting local residents is circulating again. 

In this scam, citizens receive a counterfeit check in the mail with instructions to cash/deposit it (pictured below).

If the check is deposited, scammers will typically ask victims to send a portion of the money back. If money is sent, and the check is found to be counterfeit, the victim can be held responsible for lost funds.

Always verify the legitimacy of checks before depositing and help spread the word to protect yourself and others.

✔️Prevention
– Make sure the check was issued by a legitimate bank.
– Call the bank that issued the check to verify the check. Find the phone number on the bank’s official website. Don’t use the phone number printed on the check.
– Consider how and why you received the check. If someone you don’t know initiated the payment, proceed cautiously.
– Look for misspelled words and grammatical errors in their communication with you.
– Look where the check was mailed from. If the postmark is not the same city/state as the issuing bank or overseas, be wary.
– Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed – these criminals are full-time fraudsters who are really good at tricking people. Report any suspicious activity right away.

To learn more about common scams visit the FBI’s website: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes