Ask a Lawyer - Archive

What do you do if someone mails you a fake check? Who can i go to to find out how they got my address in the first place?

It must not have been a very good fake check! You don't say how you figured it out, but it seems that it wasn't someone who was supposed to give you a REAL check.

The use of fake checks is pretty common in the world of marketing and direct mail. Perhaps that's what you're talking about.

In some cases, state law governs the use of such checks, but in many cases, there are not specific laws addressing the use of fake checks. Instead it just falls under general consumer protections like unfair and deceptive trade practices. I caution you and other readers from acting on mailed checks - whether fake or live - as you could unwittingly bind yourself and then have trouble extricating yourself.

As for who was the sender, I say, "Let it go!" If the fake check wasn't a ruse by someone who owes you a good check, then there's no harm to you.