Lori Fullbright: Don't Cash That Check!

Don’t cash that check!

Several times a week, someone will tell me about a letter they received that contains a check.

Many victims refuse to report cons to police because they are embarrassed they fell for something that in hindsight seems so obvious.

They can’t imagine why they trusted someone, when they know better.

Remember, these scammers are professional thieves. We are amateurs!

The check will be legit.

The bank that issued it will be legit.

You’re often instructed to deposit it and keep part for yourself and send on the rest.

They might claim it’s part of a sweepstakes you won or a refund for something you purchased in the past.

Don’t do it. Don't cash that check!

It’s not real, and even if the bank accepts it at first, you’re likely to find out weeks later that it was indeed a fake -- and it bounced sky high, and you are now responsible for the entire amount.

I also see this with people who claim to be “dating” you online. For some creative reason, they need you to deposit their check for them (because they’re overseas or their bank account has been hacked, etc.)

I have interviewed lots of people who fell for this, and it was a huge financial hit to pay back the money.

The problem is: we believe people when they tell us a story, especially a sad one. We want to believe everyone is like us, but they are not.