Avoiding Check Fraud

Centra Bank is committed to protecting our customers. Internet crime schemes steal millions of dollars each year from victims. While the Internet can be a safe and convenient place to do business, scammers are out there in "cyber world" targeting unsuspecting consumers. The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of fraud schemes.

Before you cash or deposit any check received in the mail, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Is the envelope containing the check postmarked from Canada?
2. Did it arrive via an overnight delivery service?
Beware of individuals using the DHL or UPS logo in any email communication. Be suspicious when payment is requested by money transfer before the goods will be delivered. Remember that DHL and UPS do not generally get involved in directly collecting payment from customers. Fees associated with DHL or UPS transactions are only for shipping costs and never for other costs associated with online transactions. Contact DHL or UPS to confirm the authenticity of email communications received.
3. Is it from a business or individual account that is different from the person buying your item or product?
4. Is the amount for more than the item's selling price?
5. Are you sending money overseas?
6. Did you win an international lottery you didn't enter?
7. If the lottery winnings appear too good to be true, they probably are.
8. Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
9. Be leery if you do not remember entering a lottery or contest.
10. Be cautious if you receive a telephone call stating you are a lottery winner.
11. Beware of lotteries that charge a fee prior to delivery of your prize.
12. Be wary of demands to send additional money to be eligible for future winnings.
13. It is a violation of federal law to play a foreign lottery via mail or phone.
14. Have you been asked to pay money to receive an inheritance from another country?
15. Are you receiving a commission for accepting money transfers through your bank and/or PayPal account?
16. Did you receive this money for signing up for a service on the internet?
17. Have you signed up for a secret shopper job?
18. Are you applying online for a debt consolidation loan?
19. Did you apply for employment where you can work from home?

You can learn more and report fraudulent activity at the following websites: http://www.FakeChecks.org
http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/
http://www.fraudaid.com
http://www.ic3.gov/preventiontips.aspx

Do not call the phone number printed on the check for validity.

If you have internet access, look up the phone number of the banks name printed on the check. If you do not have access, please call Centra Bank or stop-in and we will assist you in verifying the authenticity of the check before you deposit the funds.