COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Pathways Financial Credit Union says scammers have been using their bank to issue fake checks.
In the last two weeks, the credit union has declined about 50 checks.
The credit union reported the issue to the Columbus Division of Police, but they said people have been trying to cash the checks from all over the country.
“There are bad actors out there counterfeiting our corporate checks,” said Greg Kidwell, the president of the financial institution.
Most of the people who have been scammed are calling the bank with the same story. It starts by people looking for a job online.
“The individuals we have communicated with have indicated they are using portals or different outlets to search for remote work or at home jobs,” said Chrissy Martino.
Martino said they had one man come into the credit union with a letter from the fake company.
“Just by starting to read (the letter) there were multiple typos, the grammar (was not correct),” said Martino.
The Better Business Bureau said employment scams are the second most popular overall. Judy Dollison, the president of the BBB Central Ohio said the average victim loses $2,000.
“You don’t have the experience but you are getting a great job offer with a lot of money. Be careful with bogus interviews and on the spot job offers,” said Dollison.
Dollison said a lot of the time people are being offered money up front after they receive the job.
“Then they send you an advanced check to use for personal supplies or more training,” said Dollison.
But, she said that check is not legitimate, and the victim loses money.
If you receive a fake check, report it to local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission.