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WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 – The American Bankers Association has been alerted that someone or a group of individuals sending cash prize letters purporting to be from ABA are actually part of fake check scam. These con artists are sending letters asking people to call a phone number to find out how to collect the prize -- a popular technique to get personal financial information from the letter recipient. Many of the letters contain one or more fraudulent checks, and a number of individuals have attempted to cash or deposit these fraudulent checks.

The fraudulent checks are listed as from ABA and ABD Federal Credit Union, however ABA believes other financial institutions may be targeted. The amount of the checks is typically between $1,000 and $5,000.

ABA is working with law enforcement to identify the source of the letters and to disrupt them.  ABA offers the following advice to consumers: 
              
              • If you think someone is trying to pull a fake check scam, don’t deposit the check –
                report it – because you are responsible for the money you withdrew if the check or 
                money order bounces. To report a fake check or find out more information on how
                you can avoid them, go to fakecheck.org. 

              • Never give out your personal financial information in response to an unsolicited    
                phone call, fax or email, no matter how official it may seem. If you are uncertain,
                call your financial institution yourself using a phone number you know is safe.

              • If you have already responded to this type of call or email by providing your
                personal financial information, contact your financial institution immediately to
                protect your account; 

              • Inform the ABA about fraudulent phone calls and emails that use ABA’s name by
                sending an email to alert@aba.com.

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