CONTACT

Barbara Read
VP/Communications Director
Telephone: 970-224-4222 / 800-564-0370 x118
E-Mail: media@mountainstates.bbb.org

Wouldn't it be nice to start the new year by winning a lottery? Of course, a cash windfall anytime of the year would be nice.

But the Mountain States Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be wary of counterfeit checks arriving in mailboxes as part of foreign lottery schemes. The checks look so real the BBB and financial institutions alike receive numerous questions about their legitimacy.

Dale Roberts, executive vice president at Front Range Bank in Loveland, a BBB member, noted that the sophistication of technology today means that counterfeit checks are no longer difficult to produce.

The counterfeit cashier's checks, sent as part of a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, often use the names and addresses of American businesses to make them appear legitimate. In some cases, the accompanying literature will ask that the consumer cash the check and send a certain dollar amount back in order to receive remaining lottery funds.

Though Front Range Bank has yet to encounter a counterfeit lottery check, it's kept on alert thanks to the watchful eyes of a Denver company that sends out two to three notices weekly regarding known scams in the area.

Roberts said that if a customer were to deposit a counterfeit check, the customer would be liable for the full amount. "The depositor would have to go back to person who gave them the check."

And with most of these scams, that is next to impossible, said Pamela King, president/CEO of Mountain States BBB.

Red flags to look for, according to the BBB, are misspelled names, irregular or sloppy typing, and if you didn't enter a lottery, you can't win. If still in doubt, take the check and accompanying paperwork to your financial institution.

King also noted that it's illegal for Americans to participate in foreign lotteries. "The best thing to do when you receive a lottery or sweepstakes notice in the mail is to shred it and forget it."

Additional information about lotteries and sweepstakes is available at www.mountainstates.bbb.org, or phone the BBB at 970-484-1348. It's just good business!