How do you know if a check is fraud, is there any way to protect yourself?

Question

I won some money and received a check for $4,558 dollars, I want to know if the check is fraud or not...I am not spending any money untill it clears if it does, if it clears am I safe or have something to worry about. I was doing research online and it says you can put a lock on the check untill it clears, what should I do? I don't want to spend any money and have to pay it out of my pocket, what do you do in a situation like this? Thanks serious answers only! On gamesville.com, is that site legit or not? Playing magic 21

Answer 1

That site has been around in one form or another for a decade, so it appears to be legit.

Answer 2

this is a rare time when wjzip is wrong.

i can't speak to your check or its origins, but the web is full of advice and hard luck stories.

you can deposit a check, and even after it clears, the bank can still take the money back if it later determines the check was fraudulent. there is no limit on this. how do you think all those check scams work? google is your friend. I am sure wikipedia has good info too.

Answer 3

if you go to www.scams.com and look it up you will get your answer.

Answer 4

sounds like a scam

Answer 5

It is a fraud.  You can deposit the check in your account but you will be giving up your checking account number in the process.

The safest thing to do is give the check to your bank, ask them to cash it and give you the money if the check clears both banks.

Answer 6

Talk to your bank. Most will have a specific time frame under which they will hold and verify the check's validity.