Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Counterfeit Check Fraud Alert
Here are three scenarios under which you are without question the victim of counterfeit check fraud. All involve e-mail correspondence, and all request that you send cash back as soon as possible to a Western Union store in the U.S., or to another country such as Canada, England, or Nigeria.
- You receive a City National Bank of Florida cashier's check for something you advertised over the Internet (E-bay, Auto trader, CraigsList etc.) - but the check is for more than your asking price and you have been asked to send the difference in cash back to an agent or shipper.
- You are notified that you have won the lottery - Australian, Canadian, or another country's sweepstakes lottery that you did not enter. You receive a check for around $4,000 as an advance to cover expenses, and you are asked to return most of the proceeds to pay clearance fees and other applicable expenses.
- You receive pay or commission to deposit checks, are told to keep 10% and send the difference in cash back to the sender, or receive a check to be a mystery shopper and keep about 10% of the proceeds or purchases and send the rest back in cash.
- A female stranded in Nigeria sends you money orders or a check to be cashed and she wants you to send her the money so that she can buy airline tickets.
Remember: In the above scenarios, you are without question the victim of a counterfeit check fraud.
If you are given a check, never call a phone number printed on the check to verify if that check is good or ask if funds are available.
Here's what to do:
Please e-mail our Security Director the following information:
- The dollar amount of the check and the maker of the check.
Or, if you wish, contact our Security Director at 305-577-7488 (Fax: 305-577-7289)
