How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams
Fake checks might look like business or personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, or a check delivered electronically.
Fake Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams
You get a call, email, or letter saying you won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize — like an iPad, a new car, or something else.
Fake prize offers don’t pay
The pandemic has caused financial distress because of lost jobs, income, and homes, and emotional distress because of social isolation.
Did someone tell you to pay with gift cards? It’s a scam
Maybe someone said you’ve won the lottery, a prize or sweepstakes.
Make it a scam-free vacation
It’s almost summer! Right now, you probably have beaches on the brain or you’re thinking about that long-planned trip abroad.
Anatomy of a fake check scam
Fake checks drive many types of scams – like those involving phony prize wins, fake jobs, mystery shoppers, online classified ad sales, and others.
Winners are losers in lottery & sweepstakes scams
You get a card, call, or email telling you that you won! Maybe it’s a lottery, sweepstakes, or some other prize. The person calling is excited and can’t wait for you to get your winnings.
Publishers Clearing House imposters keep coming
Who wouldn’t love to be that winner you see on TV holding a great big sweepstakes check?