Nationwide is aware that one or more individuals are attempting to fraudulently use the Nationwide brand and name on counterfeit checks. Although there is no known affiliation with Nationwide, these individuals identify themselves as Nationwide representatives and are mailing letters and counterfeit checks to consumers across the country, including Nationwide customers.
The scam uses letters with a few variations including: the recipient won a lottery, is owed a settlement, or is being offered a job as a mystery shopper. The scam encourages the recipient to cash the fraudulent check and immediately wire some of the funds to an undisclosed location or to someone named in the letter. When the counterfeit check is later returned to the bank, the victim is held responsible for reimbursing the bank for the total dollar amount of the check. The victim can also be responsible for additional bank charges and fees.
If you receive a letter and check in the mail that matches the description of this scam, you may contact Nationwide’s Office of Customer Advocacy at 800-882-2822 for more assistance with this issue.
We also welcome you to inform our fraud department about your experience by emailing us at rptfraud@nationwide.com or by calling 1-800-4-RIPOFF. Additionally, the United States Postal Inspection Service offers a way to report possible mail fraud scams on their website.