Fake Check / Money Order Scam

Fake check / money order scams come in many varieties, but the basics are always the same. Someone sends you a check or money order and asks you send part of it back to them. The check or money order is no good, leaving you out the money you sent back. Here are some of the scenarios used:

• Foreign business offer - Someone wants to transfer a lot of money and offers you a percentage to help them.
• You're selling something online, and they offer you more than you're asking for it. Or, they contact you out of the blue and offer you a huge amount for something you own, such as a domain name.
• You're told you've won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes.
• You meet a potential love interest online, but there's a money issue and you're asked to help by sending some money.
• Someone sends you a rent check with extra to cover fees and shipping, and they ask you to deposit and send the excess back to them.
• You receive a solicitation for a work at home opportunity which offers easy money.

These are just some of the creative ways identity thieves try to steal your personal information and money. For more information, check out FakeChecks.org.