Attorney General’s Office, Division of Banking and South Dakota Bankers Association Join Efforts to Fight Cashier Check Fraud

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Larry Long, Roger Novotny, Director of South Dakota Division of Banking and the South Dakota Bankers Association, are continuing to promote their campaign against scam artists who use fraudulent cashier’s checks and money orders to take advantage of South Dakota consumers. 

Con artists often contact South Dakota residents and pose as "sweepstakes" or "lottery" officials. In other cases, crooks express an interest in buying an item that you are selling. Another variation involves a con artist befriending you in a chat room. Regardless of the cover story, the crooks send a cashier’s check or a money order to you and then ask you to wire money back to them.

"Consumer education is essential in the prevention of fraud, but equally important is educating bank employees," said Novotny. "The proactive approach that many bank tellers are now taking has prevented several senior citizens from being victims of fraud."

"The key to avoiding these scams is simple: never wire money to someone you do not know," said Long. "Once you wire money, it is irreversible and untraceable."

If you have any additional questions regarding this scam contact the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986.

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