How to verify a check is real?

[Spacemom]

I received a check in the mail today. I'm concerned that it may not be legit. I googled the credit union it's drawn on, and it's a real place. Other than that, how can I tell if I should really deposit it?

I'm afraid this is some sort of scam.

[LostinVA]

1. Ask your bank to verify it when you take it in

They will.

[TK421]

2. Didn't some kind of letter come with it explaining what it's for?

I get things like that from credit cards, but the catch is they want you to sign on to different programs ( at a monthly cost, of course )

[insanity]

3. Call the credit union in question, tell them you have a check and ask them if it is legit?

[Spacemom]

8. I just called the CU

as soon as I told her the name of the payee she said yes it's a scam.

Some people are just human waste. :mad:

[petronius]

4. Talk to your bank, but the fact that the CU is real means nothing

It can take a surprisingly long time for checks to really clear, and if your bank doesn't get the money from the originating CU they will take it back out of your account.

Ask your bank how long it takes them to get the funds, and to verify the check, and don't release any product that you're selling until your bank tells you with 100% that the money is in their hands...

[Spacemom]

5. I'm pretty sure it's a scam

it came with a letter that said

"enclosed is a check of US $4500.00 to assist you to pay for the Non Resident Government Service Tax. Taxes must be paid in full, before winnings can be legally released."

I'm supposed to send a money gram to an address in Ontario.


We're struggling so bad right now, for a few brief seconds I was hoping it might somehow be real. It looks so real! Then the weight of the world came crashing back down. I hope whoever these people are, they rot. :cry:

[mainegreen]

6. A check that asks you to send a money order is always a scam.

Always.

[myrna minx]

7. Oh, it's defiantly a scam. I'm sorry.

:hug:

[Spacemom]

9. Thanks

I could definitely use the :hug:

For a few brief seconds, I thought we might actually have a Christmas.

Now I'm just so angry. :mad:

[astral]

10. Ah, just quit opening your junkmail; you'll be fine.

Go cash it at a bank you don't have an account at ; )

heh heh heh ~!