Con artists are good at making fake checks. Just ask the thousands and thousands of people who have been scammed.
How do you protect yourself? Sid Kirchheimer explains in his article “Reality Check” in the May AARP Bulletin. He gives nine ways of spotting those alluring, deceptive checks. Kirchheimer tips are worth repeating, which I will do. He also is the author of Scam-Proof Your Life, if you want more information.
Keep in mind; if you cash a counterfeit check, you are responsible for the money drawn from that deposit. You can’t walk away without consequences.
- Edges. Legit checks generally have at least one perforated or rough edge.
- Bank logo. There should be a logo and it shouldn’t be faded.
- Bank address. A bank wouldn’t use just a post office box.
- Check number. There should be a check number in the upper right hand corner and it should match the check in the MICR line. The MICR line is at the bottom of the check and has the bank routing number and the check number.
- Amount. It’s usually less than $5,000 so that the bank sends the “check” through in a few days. Larger checks have a longer holding time.
Read more: http://southerncolorado.bbb.org/post/check-the-check-11669
