The Counterfeit Check Scam
involves a response to a letter indicating that you are a winner of unclaimed prize money and providing you with a counterfeit check from “Sparton Consumer Research Electrical Group”. Here is how the scheme unfolds:

• You will receive a letter of opportunity to be a secret shopper along with a check from “Sparton Electronics.” The check is counterfeit.
• The letter requests that you telephone a contact person prior for detailed instructions. Once you have made contact with the person, they request that you cash the check and remit a large portion of the amount to cover administrative costs.
• The check that you received with the letter is an elaborate counterfeit and it takes the bank longer than usual to discover the fraudulent document.
• The “Secret Shopper” thinks they have received a good check and sends in the amount the contact person requested.
• The bank notifies the “Secret Shopper” that the check is a counterfeit and removes the check amount from the “Secret Shopper’s” account.