Contact 6: Warning against scam targeting internet users

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- FOX6's Contact 6 has a warning regarding a scam targeting those online.

Taylor Campbell says she met someone online, who claimed he was stranded in Africa. The man sent Campbell a check for $50,000 and asked that Campbell send him a portion of the money.

"He wanted me to send him a portion as soon as possible so he could get home to the states and take care of his dad," Campbell said.

However, it was a fraudulent check.

"They mail you a counterfeit check, you deposit the check, you wire the funds and you're out the money," Postal Inspector Renee Focht said.

Banking regulations require banks to release funds before a check clears, but once the bank realizes the check is a fake, the victim is responsible.

"When you receive a check and sign the back of it, you're endorsing the check. You're saying that check is good," Focht said.

Campbell says it is important not to be so trusting of people online.

"If you receive a check from an unknown source, don't deposit the check. Don't wire the funds and don't become a victim," Focht said.