The Cleona Borough Police Departments wants to warn residents about scams including fake check scams. The department has received numerous complaints from residents reporting they have been the victim of a fake check scam/fraud.
Fake Check Scams are a fast-growing fraud that could cost you thousands of dollars. There are many types of fake check scams, but it all starts when someone offers a realistic-looking check or money order and asks you to send cash somewhere in return. It’s phony, and so is the person’s story, but that may take weeks to discover. Now your bank wants the money back. Turns out that just because you can get the cash doesn’t mean the check or money order is good. If it’s not, the crook will be richer and you’ll be the loser, because you’re responsible for the checks or money orders you deposit or cash.
How do the scammers find victims? They scan newspaper and online advertisements looking for people listing items for sale or places to rent. They check postings on online job sites from people seeking employment and place their own ads with phone numbers or e-mail addresses for people to contact them. They meet people through social networking sites, chat rooms, and other places online. They make phone calls and send faxes, e–mails, or letters to people randomly, knowing that some will take the bait.
The best way to avoid being a victim is to be cautious. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. According to the National Consumers League, victims lose an average of $3,000 to $4,000 — a significant amount for most people. But your losses could be even higher. If you used some of the money to pay bills or for other purposes, you’ll have to pay that amount back to your bank or credit union as well. There may also be bounced check and over¬draft charges as a result of the scam. And you could lose more than money — your account could be closed and it could harm your credit rating.
Think about it — there is no legitimate reason why anyone would give you a check or money order and ask you to send cash anywhere in return. Be aware that just because you can get the cash quickly — usually in 1 to 5 days — doesn’t mean the check or money order is good. Crooks take advantage of the fact that counterfeits can take weeks — even months — to discover. By then you’ve sent the money and have to pay it back to your bank. Only cash a check or money order from a person or business you know or trust.
For information on scams please go to www.fbi.gov/scams-safety
