FAQ > Consumer Protection FAQs > I received a check and a letter in the mail that said I won a foreign lottery. The letter says I sho
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I received a check and a letter in the mail that said I won a foreign lottery. The letter says I should deposit the check, wire transfer some of the money back and keep the rest. Is this real?
No, this is a fake check scam. Although the check may look real, it’s not. If you deposit it, the full amount will be deducted from your account. Any time you get an unexpected check in the mail, be suspicious. Also watch for fake check scams when selling goods online. A buyer might “overpay” by sending you a check for more than the purchase price and then ask you to send back the extra money. This is another fake check scam. The buyer’s check is fake, and you will lose any money you send.