Check fraud or fake check scams work when a thief steals an account number to write fake checks in the account holder’s name and then tries to send the check or cash it fraudulently.

When a fake check bounces — which could take a few days or many weeks — you are responsible to repay your bank for any of the money you withdrew.

If a bank cashes a check, it's got to be good, right? And if it's not, the bank will take care of it, right? Nope on both counts.

A businessman from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said he was defrauded out of nearly $27,000 after scammers created fake checks impersonating his bank account.

If a bank cashes a check, it's got to be good, right? And if it's not, the bank will take care of it, right? Nope on both counts.

If a bank cashes a check, it's got to be good, right? And if it's not, the bank will take care of it, right? Nope on both counts.

In fake check schemes, criminals send checks to their victims, who deposit them. The money initially shows up in the victims’ bank accounts.