Two New Check Scams to Watch Out For

Two new scams are making the rounds, both using fake Nationwide checks. One tries to defraud people selling things on Craigslist, while the other targets supposed "sweepstakes" winners. Don't fall for either of them. Instead, call Nationwide at
1-877-On Your Side^® (1-877-669-6877) or make an online report.

The Craigslist scam

This scam targets Craigslist sellers. Someone (a fraudster) offers to buy the goods you're selling. Then the fraudster sends you a counterfeit Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. check for more than the purchase price, and asks you to send them the balance by wire transfer. You deposit the check and send them the money. Then the check bounces, and you're left with a smaller bank account.

The sweepstakes scam

This scam arrives as a letter saying there's unclaimed prize money waiting for you from "NSW International Lotteries" or another sweepstakes. The fraudster requests that you deposit the enclosed (fake) "Nationwide" check for the first installment and send in a "processing fee". In return, they promise to send you the balance of your winnings. The check bounces, but your “processing fee” goes through. Fact: Real sweepstakes don’t make you pay for your winnings. (This scam sometimes purports to be from “Publisher’s Clearing House,” but is not from the magazine-subscription and sweepstakes company.)

The fake checks

With modern high-resolution scanners and printers, it's easy for a determined fraudster to make convincing-looking checks at home.

• Here's what the counterfeit Craigslist check looks like:
  
  
  
• Example fake check used in the "sweepstakes" scam:
  

What to do

If you receive either of these scam letters or a similar suspicious check, call Nationwide at 1-877-On Your Side^® (1-877-669-6877) or make an online report. Do not deposit the check. In fact, keep it – we'd like to have a look at it. Nationwide is passionate about protecting your privacy and security. We're currently working with law enforcement agencies to identify the culprits and put a stop to their dishonest schemes. Nationwide is On Your Side^®.