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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of Consumer Protection says it has received a number of reports from Utahns who have responded to ads for jobs or merchandise only to be conned by fake check schemes.
Rob Alexander was one of them. He lost $1,400 while trying to buy a new motorcycle.
"They looked so legitimate," Alexander said. "I mean, this is what really sold me, is the eBay emails. They had doctored them up so well that they looked so legitimate."
To help consumers avoid becoming victims of fake check schemes, whether online or through traditional mail, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection offers the following tips you should be aware of:
- Fake check schemes take on different pitches to trap their victims.
- Scammers actively hunt victims online.
- Fraudsters often say they are out of the country.
- Victims are told to wire money after they've deposited the check.
- Fake checks are made to "look" legitimate on purpose.
- You will see funds in your account, but that doesn't mean the check is real.
- Ethical business transactions never ask someone to wire money back to a second party.
Consumers can file a complaint with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection by calling 801-530-6601, or by logging on to the division's website at www.consumerprotection.utah.gov.
