Fake Check Scam Returns to Target Charities

Back in February, BBB Wise Giving Alliance alerted the charitable community about a fake-check overpayment scam. It appears this scam is continuing using different names and affiliations, but the same scenario. Charities receive an email from an individual expressing interest in making a five-figure donation, and the individual then sends the gift using overnight mail.

Next, the scammer informs the charity he or she made an error and sent too much, and asks the charity to immediately return a portion of the donation (several thousand dollars or more) to cover some type of medical emergency. The charity returns the requested money through a wire transfer or other quick method. The charity later discovers the original donation check is fake, and the organization has lost the amount it sent back to the individual.