Patriot’s Fraud Department has reported an increase in fraud cases involving young adults targeted through Instagram. According to law enforcement, criminals are recruiting individuals to open new accounts to deposit altered checks, known as “baked” or “cooked” checks.
A baked check differs from a washed check. In check washing, a stolen check is physically altered to change the payee or amount. In baked check fraud, a stolen, signed check is scanned or photographed, digitally altered using image-editing software, and reprinted as counterfeit checks for deposit.
Fraudsters often promise quick cash to those who agree to deposit these checks, but individuals involved may face criminal charges.
Warning signs of fraudulent checks include:
- Suspicious payees or dollar amounts
- Out-of-sequence or duplicate check numbers
- Duplicate memo lines from previous checks
- Altered or inconsistent memo lines or payee names
- Poor paper quality or printing
- Mismatched or altered check numbers in the MICR line
Prevention tips:
- Do not open an account or deposit a check for someone met online.
- Bring suspicious checks to a financial institution before depositing.
- Educate young adults about social media scams.
- Report suspicious activity to your bank or law enforcement.
Authorities urge the public to remain alert to evolving fraud tactics.
Photo credits to Patriot Federal Credit Union
