13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |United Way warns of check scam
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Indianapolis - United Way of Central Indiana is warning people about a scam that uses the agency's name.
United Way says people have been receiving letters with a check for $3,200 - seemingly issued by the United Way of Central Indiana through JPMorgan Chase Bank.
In the scam, recipients are told they have "won" a prize but they must pay the taxes on it before a certified check will be released to them. The bogus check included with the letter will supposedly cover the taxes for them.
United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) says it has not issued or authorized such payments. This is the second time the agency has learned of a scam trying to cash in on its name this year.
President and CEO Ellen Annala said the agency reported the fraud to the bank and to appropriate legal authorities.
United Way's donated funds are not at risk from the scam, but Annala is concerned that unsuspecting Hoosiers might fall for it and lose money.
Anyone who received such a mailing is encouraged to report it to the following agencies:
U.S. Postal Inspector: 877.876.2455 by phone or online.
Canadian Anti Fraud Center: 888.495.8501
Federal Trade Commission: 877.382.4357
Better Business Bureau: 317.488.2222 or 866.463.9222 (Toll free in Indiana)
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