Kansas Counterfeit Check Scam

Scam artists continue to prey on the Kansas consumer. One of the latest is tied to the Vioxx recall. The drug Vioxx has been pulled from the market and legitimate efforts are underway to reimburse those who may still have the drug. An elderly Kansan recently was contacted by a scam artist and told about the recall. They promised to send her a refund check, if she sent in the "necessary forms" to an United States address. She did and received a check. The check was followed by a call originating in Canada. The con artist asked the consumer to deposit the check and then immediately wire money to a New York address. A bank employee from Plainville, Kansas, recognized the check as a forgery, reported it to the local police, and saved one person from becoming a victim.

Many of the victims reported that the company that had contacted them about receiving a check for the Vioxx recall were calling themselves "International Promotions". Any Kansas consumer contacted by someone using this name should call the Attorney General toll-free at 1-800-432-2310.

Remember, this is just the latest ploy on an age old scam. Yesterday, it was the Canadian lottery. Tomorrow it will be some other drug recall or the Antarctic lottery. The cover story will change as well as the method, but never send money to anyone to get money in return. It is a scam. Even If they send a check, it is a scam. And the check is worthless. They are hoping you will send your money to them before their forged check bounces.