Fake Check ScamsThe US Post office has issued a warning regarding a new check scam originating from Nigeria.

The scam involves fake bank and cashier's checks. Officials say the scam involves sending out fake checks to recipients and then trying to persuade victims to deposit the funds and wire part of the money back to the con artist before the fake checks are discovered.

Some common scams involve fake lottery winnings. Victims will receive the check in the mail and be asked to deposit and and wire back a small sum to cover fees. Once the check bounces, the victim is out the amount they wired back to the con men. 

A very similar scheme plays out on eBay.  "Buyers" agree to buy your item but lo and behold they only have a cashiers check to pay for it.  The cashiers check happens to be well over the amount for the item so they send the check to you and ask you to please cash it and refund the rest of the money.  They instruct you to keep a little for yourself and wanting to make a little extra, you agree. The check, of course, turns out to be fake and if you have already shipped your item, you're out of luck!

Another tactic scammers are using is to find apartment rental ads in the papers and online. They respond saying they want to reserve the apartment, send a fake check, and ask for "some" of the money back due to a sudden change in their financial situation. 

Check out FakeChecks.org for more information.