Special Offers & Events

Special Offers

Money with Padlock

Cashier Check Fraud

You may have been told before a cashier check is as good as cash. In truth, it may not be that simple. A genuine cashier check is drawn on the bank and is a direct obligation of the bank. There is very little risk it will be returned. But, with technological advances such as color printers, software, and special ink it’s now easier than ever to forge a check. Technology has made life easier for fraudsters!

It is often quite difficult for consumers and banks alike to determine if a cashiers check is counterfeit. Oftentimes, fraudulent cashier checks appear to be drawn on well known financial institutions and are initiated by recognized bank personnel or clients. We often only know a check is deemed counterfeit when it has been returned to us.

Common Cashier Check Scams
Internet Sales Scams
When you sell goods over the Internet and the buyer sends you a cashier check. You find out after shipping the goods out that the cashier check is fraudulent.

Excess Funds Scam
When you sell goods over the Internet and the buyer sends you a cashier check for an amount in excess of the sale. You are then asked to wire all or some of the money to a third party.

Advance Fee & Lottery Scams
When you receive a letter informing you that you have won a lottery or you are a beneficiary of someone’s estate. The letter tells you to just pay a processing or transfer fee to receive your winnings, and enclosed is a cashier check to pay for this on your behalf. You then are asked to deposit the check (which is fraudulent) and wire the funds to the agent.

Mystery Shopper Scams
When you receive a letter informing you that you’ve been selected as a mystery shopper. Enclosed with the letter is a cashier check. You are asked to deposit it and use the funds to purchase merchandise, wire a portion to a third party, and keep the remainder.

If you have questions about cashier checks contact your personal banker.