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Money Order (Check) in the Mail Scam

Written by: Jonathan H Levy

Reputation Level 19

Fraud Wills

Posted over 2 years ago. 7 helpful votes, 1 comment

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You receive a check or money order

Even if the check or money order comes FEDEX, that is no guarantee it is any good, especially if you have no idea who it is from.

Here's the catch

Usually you are instructed as part of the deal to keep part of the check and wire the rest back to the generous benefactor, employer, etc. Being cautious, you ask the bank if there are sufficient funds on the other side. The bank says yes but that's no guarantee those funds will be there when the check clears.

Here's the pay off

You cash the check and wire back the requested funds. Two weeks later the check bounces and the bank is after you for the entire amount, freezes your account, and even reports you to law enforcement. You have been scammed.