Fake Check Scams
Fake check scams are continuing to increase as scammers find new ways to convince individuals to deposit fraudulent checks in hopes of receiving money back before the individual realizes they have been scammed. Scammers may ask to receive these funds utilizing a variety of different currency exchanges.
Common Check Scams
- Overpayment:
- When someone “accidently” sends you a check for more than expected, and they request the overpayment portion be refunded back to them in the form of cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency etc.
- Lottery, Sweepstakes or Prizes:
- Receiving a check for winning a sweepstakes or lottery that you did not sign up for. In order to receive your winnings, you are required to pay a “tax or fee,” where the scammer sends a check to you requesting the tax or fee back in a monetary value.
- Employment:
- Scammers advertise a job opportunity where they are “hiring” an individual to work from home or secret shop. The employee receives a check to perform their first job. They are asked to purchase gift cards, cashiers checks, or utilize a wire transfer service, in hopes of receiving these funds before the check is discovered fraudulent.
- Online Banking Scams
- Scammers trying to obtain your Online Banking Credentials to deposit a check through Mobile Banking, which allows them access to use cash app services such as Venmo to transfer your available balance to themselves.
- Never give out your Online Banking login information to anyone
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Check Scams
Ask yourself these questions if you are concerned about a check you have received:
- Were you expecting this check?
- Whether you were expecting the check or not, is the dollar amount of the check for more than expected?
- Are you being asked to send back any amount of the check to the original sender?
- Are you being asked to purchase gift cards, money orders, cashier checks, wires, goods, services, or cryptocurrency to return back to the requestor?
- Are you being threatened or pressured to act fast and remain discreet?
If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes”, do not deposit the check.
Report Fraud
If you think you have been targeted by a fake check scam, reach out to your local BSB branch to answer questions or concerns you may have.
If you think you have received a fraudulent check and have given out your personal information, please contact us as soon as possible at 800-586-3597.
Today’s cyber criminals don’t discriminate when it comes to who they target, and we take your security very seriously!
