ONYX

Sweepstake Scam

The Federal Trade Commission is warning about a new scam - phony checks that look real to consumers and bank tellers, but wind up costing those who deposit them - people like you and me!

The con works like this: You get an unexpected check from what appears to be a legitimate, trusted source with a letter saying you've won an award, prize, lottery or some other windfall. You are instructed to deposit the check and then send a portion back to the sender to cover fees, taxes or other charges. Inevitably, not long after the check is deposited and the funds are transferred, your bank learns the check was fake. By law, you're on the hook to make good on the funds. A reputable firm never requires payment to collect a prize! If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.