Scammers are sending out fake checks(cheques) to potential victims, asking them to cash or deposit the checks to do some form of transactions with the money, or send the money to them. The scammers are pretending to be from the National Survey Service, National Shopping Service, employment agencies, Walmart and other organisations.
Here are some of the names and telephones being used by the scammers:
- Jake Thomas - 628-222-2086
- Chris Morgan - 813-320-6913
- John Baker - 941-825-0488
Recipients of similar checks or cheques are asked not to cash or deposit them, do any form of transactions with the money, or send the money. Or else, they will have to pay back the money that was spent and sent, and the cost of processing the fake check when it bounces. Or, may even get arrested for taking part in a scam or fraudulent activity they were unaware of.
Remember, your bank may learn, after you withdraw or wire the money from your account, that the check you were given was fraudulent. At this time the check will be returned to the bank unpaid and the full amount of the check will be deducted from your account. Because bank customers are generally responsible for the checks they deposit, the victims of these scams are left to repay the bank the money they withdrew against the bad check.
The scam usually works because under federal law, banks make the funds you deposit available quickly – usually within one to five days, depending on the type of check. But just because you can withdraw the money doesn't mean the check is good, even if it's a cashier's check. It can take weeks for the forgery to be discovered and the check to be returned.
Persons who have been tricked by the check scam are asked to contact their banks immediately for help, before the banks discover the scam first and think they are involved.
If you are a victim, or was contacted by the scammers, please leave the names and telephone numbers they are using in the comment section below.