Any written request, with no context, asking for money in exchange for a check or money order is likely a scam. The most important point to remember is that there is no legitimate reason any of these situations would require your response. A good rule of thumb: If you’re unsure, don’t send anything. It’s better to be safe than lose your money for good.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fake check scams come in many forms, but they always include someone giving you a realistic
check or money order and asking you to wire money elsewhere: potentially, even to a place or person you recognize.
After sending legitimate money, you try to deposit or cash the check or money order only to determine it’s counterfeit. You end up losing the money you sent and possibly owing the bank or credit union money from the fraudulent transaction. And, you could even be charged with check fraud, as the victim.