Common Account Scams

SCCU would like to make you aware of two types of account scams that have been reported more frequently in recent months. In both of these scams, the victim cannot recover any money paid to the scammer. Do not respond to these requests, or any other unsolicited requests for personal information.

A common pretense in these scams is that the requestor needs help because the company or individual in need of assistance is not from the U.S. The stated country of origin for these requests is often Nigeria.

You may receive a contact by phone, letter, or email. If you are contacted, please realize that you will never be asked to pay money to collect a prize from a legitimate contest. If contacted by mail, you can take your letter to your local Post Office to make them aware of fraud being conducted in your area.

Scenario One: Contest Winner
A potential victim is contacted and told that he/she has won a contest or lottery. The victim is told that to claim the prize, he/she must send a certain amount of money (often described as a tax), or provide account information so a direct deposit can be made. If the account information is provided, the scammer has what is needed to withdraw funds from the account. If the target requests a check, the scammer will go so far as to send a bogus cashier's check or bogus money order. The scenario varies from scam to scam, but always involves a request for money.

Scenario Two: Check Cashing Request
Person A writes a check made out to Person B. Person B contacts a potential victim, stating that he/she does not have an account in which to deposit the check, and requests that the victim deposit and cash the check in exchange for a flat fee or a percentage of the money. Person B then endorses the check and gives it to the victim to deposit and cash, and if the victim cooperates, departs with the cash, never to be seen again.