In February 2010 we were made aware that fraudulent Cloverbelt Credit Union teller checks are being circulated.  The fraudulent checks are often for the amount of $7,750.10 and were received in connection with a fictitious lottery or prize drawing.  If you received this type of check and letter it is in your best interest to not contact the sender as this is a known scam designed to cheat consumers out of money.

If you have questions about a check you received feel free to call us at (715) 842-5693 or (866) 926-5535 to speak with a member service representative.  Please be aware that we are not able to guarantee that any teller check is “good” over the phone, we can only confirm if the date, amount and payee name matches our records.

 

The following list give characteristics of our legitimate teller check and the fraudulent checks.

Characteristics of an actual CCU teller check:	Characteristics of the known fraudulent checks:
Green check stock  Web site address under our logo in upper left corner Signed by Paul J. Chittum	Bluish gray or pink check stock* No web site address under logo “Cashier’s Check” printed at top center Signed by Paul J. Griffing *Please keep in mind that the check color and dollar amount may vary.

 

 

From the Federal Trade Commission web site www.ftc.gov:

Sweepstakes & Lotteries Scams

How to avoid prize and sweepstakes fraud

If you get a letter telling you "it's your lucky day," remember:

• Don't pay to collect sweepstakes winnings. If you have to pay to collect your winnings, you're not winning — you're buying. Legitimate sweepstakes don't require you to pay "insurance," "taxes", or "shipping and handling charges" to collect your prize.
• Hold on to your money. Scammers pressure people to wire money through commercial money transfer companies because wiring money is the same as sending cash. When the money's gone, there's very little chance of recovery. Likewise, resist any push to send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier. Con artists recommend these services so they can get to your money before you realize you've been cheated.
• Phone numbers can deceive. Some con artists use Internet technology to call you. It allows them to disguise their area code: although it may look like they're calling from your local area, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.