A Yucca Valley resident is out of a lot of money after falling victim to a fake check scam. According to a Sheriff’s report, the victim was contacted by an unknown person who had seen her job application online. The scammer sent her checks totaling more than $5200 and told her to deposit the checks in her account. She was told to use the funds to buy $5,240 in Bitcoin and send the Bitcoin to the subject. When the checks bounced, the victim learned she had been the victim of a scam. Managing editor Tami Roleff has more information about how to spot these scams…
In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check and send some or all of the money back to them or to another person, usually via Western Union, MoneyGram, or gift cards, or in this case, Bitcoin. The Federal Trade Commission says common fake check scams include being a mystery shopper, a personal assistant, or setting up your own business, and being told to buy gift cards and wire the money to someone. Another common scam is when someone buys something you’re selling, and “accidentally” sends you more money than it costs, and asks you to refund the balance. Scammers also pretend that you have won the lottery or a sweepstakes, but say you need to pay taxes or fees on your winnings. Once you wire money, or give someone the gift card PINs, it is like giving someone cash. It’s almost impossible to get it back.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams
