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  Home >> Checks/Money Orders >> Checks You Received  
Depositing a Fraudulent Check

I have a check from a national bank for $4,955 that does not have an address. I know that this is a scam, but can they get my account number if I deposit it? Is there any way that I could deposit this check without it bouncing?


If the check is fraudulent, it will bounce, and you will be responsible for paying back the amount of the check to your bank, even if you've spent part of the money. Depositing the check knowing that it's fraudulent and not reimbursing your bank, could be a violation of law in your state, and might be enough to charge you with an attempt to defraud a federally-insured depository institution. That's a federal offense.

The mere fact that the check doesn't have an address for the bank doesn't mean it's fraudulent, by the way. If you were sent the check in exchange for something you sold or for some other legitimate purpose (in other words, you were expecting the payment), the check might be valid. If you aren't sure, you can ask your bank to accept the check for collection, rather than for deposit. That will require paying a fee, but it will prevent your having a problem if the check turns out to be phony.

Published on BankingQuestions.com 11/19/07