Fake check scams are on the rise in the US and so is the likelihood that you could be scammed. These scams are usually initiated after receiving a check you were not expecting from a financial institution, a business, or an individual. The check may appear to be realistic on the surface, and while your bank may cash the phony check, you must be aware that you are ultimately responsible for the checks you cash. Therefore, if you cash a check that is fake, then you are on the hook for the money and will be asked to pay it back to the bank. In this article, you will learn how to avoid fake check scams so that this does not happen to you.
Step One:
The first step in learning how to avoid fake check scams is to understand that there is typically no legitimate reason why a person would need you to cash a check or a money order for them and provide money in return. If you discover that this request is being made, you should avoid cashing the check until you research it at length to ensure that it is above board.
Step Two:
Step two in combating fake check scams is to be aware that there are certain catch phrases associated with fake business opportunities and other businesses that attempt to conduct these types of scams. Examples include business related offers from overseas, rental schemes, businesses that promote work at home opportunities, businesses that promise "get rich quick" opportunities, foreign lotteries, companies that claim you are due an overpayment that you are unfamiliar with, and even money offered from accounts of the deceased. If you receive any of these types of offers out of the blue, it is likely that you are being targeted by a scam, so the best advice is to ignore these types of solicitations.
Step Three:
In avoiding a fake check scam, one important decision is to elect to pay by credit card instead of check for any purchases you make. This is typically much safer than using a check because of the fact that so many personal details are listed on a check.
Step Four:
If someone contacts you by phone, email, or by standard mail and informs you that you have won a prize that is "free", but requests a payment from you, you should avoid the temptation to take immediate action. If you have truly received a gift that is free, you will receive that gift with absolutely no stipulations.
Step Five:
If you receive notifications to participate in a lottery from a foreign country, you should completely avoid it. First, it is probably related to a fake check scam. Second, it is illegal to participate in foreign based lotteries. Third, most of these lotteries are truly scams that are intended to deprive you of your hard earned money.
Step Six:
If you are an individual that specializes in selling merchandise, it is important to ensure that you never accept more money than is necessary for the items that you are selling, regardless of the reason or request to the contrary.
Step Seven:
Always seek to avoid wiring money to individuals you are not familiar with. This is especially true if they have sent you a money order or check and have asked that you return a portion of the funds.
If you feel as if you have been subjected to a fake check scam through the postal service, you may contact a group referred to as the "U.S Postal Inspection Service" online or by calling the post office in your community. If you have been targeted on the Internet, you may contact the "Federal Trade Commission" at 877-FTC-HELP.
For additional steps on how to avoid fake check scams and various other scams, visit the Lionheart Group blog at http://www.LionheartGroup.net.
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4:14Get free money ! Via checks for free !by Logitecher231,769 views
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