Counterfeit / Fraudulent Checks

FIGA has been contacted by several banks and individuals across the country regarding a check scheme using counterfeit FIGA checks.  The counterfeit checks are light blue in color, reference Wachovia Bank, have security warnings, and are generally for $1,500-$3,000.

 

Most contacts indicated they had recently bought or sold something on Craigslist and subsequently received a counterfeit FIGA check to pay for the item.  The check is typically for an amount well in excess of the item with a request to cash or deposit the check and return the excess via Western Union wire transfer.  If deposited, the funds may appear to be in the depositor’s account but will be removed the next day once rejected by FIGA due to controls and safeguards built into our banking arrangements.

 

FIGA has not lost any funds from this scheme and is unaware that anyone has followed through with the wire transfer request.  This issue has been reported to local police authorities as well as various other authorities throughout the country.

 

If you have received one of these questionable checks, please send the check, envelope and any other materials (email) to the following address:

 

FIGA

P.O. Box 14249

Tallahassee, FL  32317