Suggested Talking Points

Serving America since 1775.
The Inspection Service has more than 200 years of consumer protection experience.
USPS is a trusted friend and partner in every American community.
We are proud to help spread the word and increase awareness about consumer fraud.
The focus of the USPS message this year is “Don’t Fall for a Fake Check Scam.” By resisting the temptation to deposit a large check, a consumer will avoid a loss of up to thousands of dollars when the scam is exposed.

These frauds are a growing problem, and millions of American consumers are being targeted by scam artists based in other countries.
Wiring away money that appears to have come from a fake check could destroy your financial foundation.
Not only could you be out the money you wired, your bank could charge return fees or overdraft charges to your account.
You are responsible for the money you put into your bank account, and also for what you wire out. If the check is a fake, you’re required to make good on the loss.
When we stop potential victims from accepting fake checks, we prevent a crime from taking place.
Just about any business account you could imagine can be made into a counterfeit. The latest complaints include cashier’s checks, checks that look like they’re drawn on business accounts, money orders, traveler’s checks, and gift checks.
A common theme exists in all of the scams: Just because a deposited check shows up as “funds available” in your account register, it doesn’t mean the check is good or has cleared.
Federal law gives consumers the right to have quick access to the funds from deposited checks (usually within 1 to 5 days). However, it can take weeks for counterfeits to be discovered.
The consumer is then responsible for ALL fees associated with the fake check. No one who wants to GIVE you money should ask you TO SEND THEM money back.
For more information, visit www.FakeChecks.org.