Counterfeit Check Scams on the Rise

If you get a check in the mail that says youve won an international lottery, think twice before you celebrate. The Attorney Generals office is seeing a surge in counterfeit check scams in the Ark-La-Miss. Theres a wide range of scams out there. Some letters say youve won a grant or have been selected as a secret shopper. The one thing they have in common is that theyre all fake and can cost you money. The Attorney Generals office, police and bank officers held a meeting on the issue today. They say scam artists are taking advantage of the bad economy and victims who are desperate for cash. The letters often come with checks and instruct victims to deposit them into their accounts and wire money to fake businesses. Once the checks bounce the victims are left with bank fees. Randy Bullock said, "A lot of times even on those letters it will say do not let anybody know youve received this. You know thats a red flag at this point. If you receive one of these checks let us know about it. Were trying to protect you." Officials say thieves copy logos and signatures from real companies. One way to learn if a check is fake is to call and ask the company if they issued it. If not, report it. If you think youve been involved in one of these scams, you can contact your bank, the Attorney Generals office, or the FBI.