Fake Check Scams

A December 2008 Opinion Research Corp. survey showed that nearly one-third of all adult americans have been approached with fake check scams, and about 4.5 million have fallen for them. The most common scams involve sweepstakes/lotteries, grants and work-at-home opportunities.

Here's a list of consumer tips to avoid fake check scams:

- Never agree to pay to claim a prize

- Never agree to pay for grants from the government or foundations

- Never agree to cash checks and send the money somewhere as part of a job working from home

- Never agree to wire money to anyone you have not met in person and known for a long time

- If it seems suspicious, get advice

Read more about the campaign at http://www.consumerfed.org/pdfs/Fake_Check_PR_5-27-09.pdf

or visit www.fakechecks.org for more information.