Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot has issued a warning to Marylanders of scams involving fraudulent checks that appear to be issued by the State of Maryland.
“We want to assure every Marylander that the State is not and will never be involved in any secret-shopper program. These checks are fraudulent and should be reported to the authorities,” said Comptroller Franchot. “I understand it is exciting to receive an unexpected check in the mail. However, depositing these checks will result in more debt, as the account holder will be responsible for covering the check once it bounces. So we urge Marylanders not to take the bait.”
The scammers mail the potential victim a fraudulent Maryland state check that appear to be signed by Comptroller Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp along with a letter from a fake company, in this case with an Annapolis address. The letter says the victim has been selected to conduct a secret shopping assignment.
The potential victim is directed to deposit the fraudulent check into their bank account and then to immediately wire a portion of the check proceeds to the scammers using Western Union or Money Gram. Please Note – the check will be returned as uncollected because it is counterfeit, and any money wired to the scammers cannot be retrieved.
Anyone with any questions or concerns should call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection hotline number at (410) 528-8662 or toll-free (888) 743-0023 or the State Comptroller’s Office at (410) 260-7801.