Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is warning consumers about a wave of new fake check scams recently reported to his office.
"Fake check scams have become very prevalent in the last several years, and unfortunately new variations make these scams increasingly difficult to detect," Cordray said. "Fortunately, consumers usually can avoid falling victim to these scams by simply refusing to wire transfer money to anyone who sends them a check and asks for money in return."
In one case, a Toledo consumer said he received an e-mail from a company offering a job placing advertisements on the sides of vehicles. The company sent him a $2,850 check and told him to keep $400, then wire transfer the rest of the money back to the company.
Another version of the fake check scam targets consumers who sell items on Web sites such as eBay, Craigslist and Facebook. A potential buyer contacts the consumer and expresses interest in the item for sale. The "buyer" sends the consumer a check for more than the sale price, then asks the consumer to wire transfer the difference back to the buyer. Ultimately, the buyer's check is returned as counterfeit, and the consumer loses any money he or she sent.
Fake check scams may involve job offers, sweepstakes awards or overpayment online. In some cases, the checks are marked "certified," making them seem even more legitimate. Nevertheless, any time someone sends a check then asks for money in return, it's likely to be a scam.
To report a scam or to get more information, contact Attorney General Cordray's office at
SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
