Counterfeit Check Fraud

Our Strongest Advice: Never deposit checks from unfamiliar sources into your bank account.

It’s essential to stay aware of how fake check scams operate so that you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

• Avoid depositing checks from unknown sources.
• Recognize counterfeit checks.
• Beware of requests for partial refunds

Counterfeit checks can closely resemble legitimate financial documents, such as personal or business checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, or even electronically delivered checks. Here’s what you need to know about fake check scams.

In these scams, an unknown individual will ask you to deposit a check—often for an amount that’s larger than what they owe you, sometimes by thousands of dollars. They’ll then request that you send part of the funds back to them or to a third party, offering a seemingly reasonable explanation. These may include claims like covering taxes or fees for a supposed prize, buying supplies for a job, or returning an alleged overpayment. In reality, these are all fraudulent claims. Here's how to recognize and avoid these scams.