FRAUD ALERT:

COUNTERFEIT CHECK SCAMS COME IN MANY GUISES

07 May 2008 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Nicole Thompson

If someone you don't know offers to send you money, watch out. It's probably one of the many counterfeit check scams happening today. There are lots of variations of these scams, but one thing is for sure-you'll be out money if you comply.

Sure, it might be tempting to cash a check for free money. Counterfeit checks look so real that even financial institution employees can be fooled. If the check is a fraud and bounces after you've cashed it, you're the one who will be held responsible. Although these scams take many guises, the main thing to watch out for is someone you don't know who wants to send or give you a check.

If you live in Indiana or on the east coast, the Indiana Credit Union League wants you to be aware of the recent circulation of counterfeit cashier's checks. The counterfeit checks appear to be from Centra Credit Union in Columbus, Ind. However, the absence of pink US patent numbers under the signature indicates the checks are fraudulent. To verify the authenticity of a Centra Credit Union check, you may call 1.800.232.3642.

Plus any time you get a check you're suspicious about, bring it to PEFCU and we'll help you determine its authenticity.