Fake check scammers scan newspaper and online advertisements for people listing items for sale, and check postings on online job sites from people seeking employment. They place their own ads with phone numbers or email addresses for people to contact them. And they call or send emails or faxes to people randomly, knowing that some will take the bait.

There is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back – that’s a clear sign that it’s a scam. If a stranger wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashiers check for the exact amount, preferably from a local bank or one with a branch in your area.

If you think someone is trying to pull a fake check scam, don’t deposit it – report it! Contact the National Consumers League’s National Fraud Information Center, www.fraud.org or (800) 876-7060. There are also more detailed tips about fake check scams in the telemarketing and Internet fraud sections of the Web site.