These scams typically occur when someone asks you to help them transfer funds or deposit a check in exchange for money. 

Money transfer/check scams typically occur when someone asks you to help them transfer funds or deposit a check in exchange for money. You may receive an email or letter from a scammer asking you to help them transfer a large amount of money overseas. You are promised a share of the money if you agree to provide them with your bank account information and assist with the transfer. They may then withdraw money directly from your account without your consent or claim that you need to pay them a fee to receive your earnings. Victims never receive what they were promised and lose any fees that they paid.

If you are selling a product online or through newspaper classifieds, you may be targeted by an overpayment scam. Victims of check overpayment scams typically receive a check from the buyer for an amount greater than the original agreement. The buyer will then tell you that the overpayment was a mistake and ask you to deposit the check and wire them back the extra money. Shortly after wiring the money, you will discover that the check was counterfeit.

Protect Yourself From Money Transfer/Check Scams

• If you are contacted by someone asking you to transfer money for them, it is most likely a scam.
• Never send money or provide credit card or online account information to anyone you do not know and trust.
• It is never a good idea to deposit a check from someone you don’t know, especially if the stranger is asking you to wire money back to them.