Protection Against Fraudulent Cheque Scams

What are cheque scams?

Cheque scams happen when a scammer issues an individual a realistic-looking cheque or money order and asks for cash in return. Some common scenarios that scammers fabricate include:

  • Lottery schemes
  • Overseas business offers
  • Online auction overpayments
  • Apartment rentals or roommates
  • Dating websites or romantic chatrooms
  • Work-at-home ads

Tips to help avoid cheque scams:

Be cautious of any offer that sounds too good to be true

  • Be cautious of any offer that requires you to purchase something, wire money, or provide account information in order to win a prize
  • Do not use contact information obtained from a letter or email received to verify the legitimacy of the information provided—use an independent verification process