Receive An Unexpected Check? This One's OK To Cash, Says BBB

If you've received a check for $18 in the mail recently from the Foreign Currency Fee Litigation Settlement Fund, it's no scam, says the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau (BBB).  Normally, the organization warns consumers to be leery of unsolicited checks received in the mail because the checks are usually counterfeit. But this time, they say checks that Wisconsinites may be receiving this week are legitimate.

The BBB received hundreds of calls this week from consumers asking about the legitimacy of the $18 check, but they are advising that the checks are safe to be cashed and deposited.

The checks are the result of a 2009 settlement over the fees credit card companies charged people when using their card abroad. Those who traveled outside the United States between February 1996 and November 2006 may receive this check. If you don't recall 'opting in' to the settlement, it's likely your bank did it for you.

“Scammers send fake checks to consumers often, hoping that they’ll cash or deposit them into their own accounts and wire them a portion of the money,” said Randall Hoth, Wisconsin BBB president andCEO. “Fortunately, consumers should rest assured that this is not a scam, but a legitimate check.”

For more information or further inquiries on other consumer inquiries, please contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.wisconsin.bbb.org or 414-847-6000.