| We have all heard, received and read the e-mail | | | | (why do you think they said 'wire' them the |
| or letter saying that so and so over in (name a | | | | money?) |
| country) has left you a sizable sum of money. It | | | | So what can one do? |
| is yours for free, but you just need to do this... | | | | - only accept checks from people you know, or |
| Well now these con artists have stepped it up. | | | | from banks that are local so you can go and |
| Some are actually sending, what seem to be, real | | | | check on it personally |
| checks for you to deposit. These checks look real | | | | - after depositing a check, wait til the bank does |
| and can even fool the bank personnel. But they | | | | their thing and the check "clears". Then things |
| are actually counterfeit and if you go a little bit | | | | should be fine. |
| too far with these schemes- you'll end up losing | | | | - if you get an offer that gives you money -- |
| some money - even if it the check is counterfeit. | | | | only if you pay them a fee, throw it out - it is a |
| There are many variations to this scam but | | | | scam. |
| basically you get this large check in the mail with | | | | - don't dabble in foreign lotteries or prize schemes. |
| some wonderful explanation on why you are | | | | In addition to costing you money it may be illegal. |
| getting it. This letter goes on to say that you | | | | - never "wire" money to strangers |
| should immediately deposit it and send back to | | | | - never be in a rush. If someone insists on you |
| them a small amount of money to cover | | | | acting immediately, you need to become wary. |
| miscellaneous fees or taxes, or whatever, that | | | | Usually within a few days the bank transactions |
| are associated in getting you this windfall. | | | | will be complete and you'll know for sure if things |
| They also usually say that when sending the | | | | are on the up and up or not. |
| money back to them that you "wire" it to them. | | | | - remember if it seems to good to be true - it |
| Now if you do all this - deposit the sum of | | | | probably is. |
| money, smile when you see the large sum of | | | | If you are in doubt about something or suspicious, |
| money in your account, and gladly wire them their | | | | contact the Federal Trade Commission and they |
| small 'fee', you'll soon be crying because within a | | | | should be able to help you. These scammers are |
| day or two of all this your check will bounce. This | | | | becoming really good today and you need to |
| will leave you with no money (from your windfall) | | | | remain on your toes so you don't fall victim to |
| and will leave you stuck losing the money you | | | | them. |
| wired them, since you can't get this money back. | | | | |