FTC refund checks are real, but scammers send fake ones that look almost identical

The Federal Trade Commission does send refund checks to people harmed by fraud, but criminals also mail checks that appear to come from the FTC to trick you into revealing personal information or sending money back. A real FTC check will have your name on it, arrive without you having to do anything first, and come from a settlement the FTC actually won. A fake one will ask you to call a number, verify information, or send a fee to "set up" or "process" it.

The difference matters because scammers use the FTC's reputation to make their con look official. You need to know what a legitimate check looks like, where it comes from, and what the FTC will never ask you to do.

Key Takeaways

  • Real FTC refund checks arrive in your name without you having to request them, and they come from a settlement the FTC publicly announced.
  • Fake checks will ask you to call a phone number, verify personal details, or send money to process or set up the refund.
  • The FTC never charges a fee to send you a refund, and it will not ask you to provide a credit card, bank account, or Social Security number over the phone.
  • You can verify a real settlement by searching the FTC's official settlement database at ftc.gov/news-events/news/2024 or by calling the FTC directly at 1-877-438-4338.
  • If you receive a check you are unsure about, cash it at your bank and ask the teller to verify it, or contact the FTC before depositing it.

What a real FTC refund check looks like

A legitimate FTC refund check will have your name printed on it, the amount of your refund, and a check number. The check comes from a bank or payment processor the FTC hired to distribute settlement money—not directly from the FTC itself. Common processors include Citi, Bank of America, or smaller payment companies. The check will have a routing number and account number like any other bank check.

The back of the check or an accompanying letter will explain which settlement it is from. For example, it might say "Amazon refund settlement" or "Equifax data breach settlement." You can look up that settlement on the FTC's website to confirm it is real. The letter will not ask you to call anyone, verify information, or pay a fee.

Real FTC checks arrive in the mail without you having to request them. If you were part of a settlement, the FTC or the settlement administrator has your address already and will mail the check to you automatically. You do not need to do anything to receive it.

Red flags that signal a fake check

A check claiming to be from the FTC is fake if it asks you to call a phone number to claim it, verify your identity, or "set up" the refund. The FTC does not work that way. Real refunds are automatic—they arrive because you were already identified as part of the settlement.

Fake checks also ask you to send money back to "process" the refund, cover taxes, or pay an "administrative fee." This is a classic scam. The FTC never charges you to send you money. If a check comes with instructions to wire funds, send a gift card, or pay anything at all, it is fraudulent.

Watch for checks that ask you to provide a credit card number, bank account details, or Social Security number by phone or email. The FTC will not contact you this way to collect personal information. If someone calls claiming to represent the FTC and asks for these details, hang up and call the FTC directly at 1-877-438-4338 to report it.

Checks with poor printing quality, spelling errors, or vague language about which settlement they come from are also warning signs. Real FTC checks are printed professionally and clearly state the settlement name.

How to verify a check before you deposit it

The fastest way to verify a check is to search the FTC's settlement announcements. Go to ftc.gov and look for "news and events" or "settlements." Search for the company name or settlement name mentioned on your check. If the settlement exists and the FTC lists it as active, your check is likely real.

You can also call the FTC's consumer sentinel hotline at 1-877-438-4338 and describe the check. They can tell you whether that settlement is real and whether the check amount matches what people in your situation should receive. This call is free and takes a few minutes.

Another option is to take the check to your bank and ask the teller to verify it before you deposit it. Banks can check whether the routing number and account number are valid and whether the check is drawn on a real account. If the teller says the check is suspicious, do not deposit it.

Do not call any phone number printed on the check itself if you are unsure about it. Scammers print fake phone numbers that connect you to their operation, not to the FTC.

What to do if you think you received a fake check

If you believe a check is fraudulent, do not deposit it and do not call the number on it. Instead, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. Tell them the company name on the check, the amount, and any phone numbers or instructions that came with it.

You can also report the fake check to your local police department and to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if it arrived by mail. The postal service investigates mail fraud and can track patterns of fake checks being sent in your area.

Keep the check and any letter that came with it. Do not throw it away or destroy it—law enforcement may need it as evidence. Store it in a safe place until you have reported it.

Real FTC settlements and how to learn about you are owed money

The FTC publishes every settlement it reaches. You can search for active settlements at ftc.gov/news-events/news by year. Major recent settlements include cases against Amazon, Equifax, Facebook, and Vonage. Each settlement page lists the company, the violation, the amount being returned, and how people harmed by that company can claim their share.

Some settlements require you to submit a claim form to receive money. Others, like the Equifax data breach settlement, send checks automatically to everyone affected. If you were part of a settlement that requires a claim, you will see a important date and instructions on the FTC's settlement page. You will not receive an unsolicited check for those settlements.

If you want to know whether you are owed money from a specific settlement, search the FTC website for that company's name. Read the settlement announcement carefully to see whether claims are automatic or require you to submit a form. If a form is required, there will be a link or mailing address.

Why scammers use fake FTC checks

Scammers use the FTC's name because it is trusted and because people expect refund checks to arrive without warning. When someone receives a check in the mail, they are more likely to believe it is real than if they received an email or a phone call. The check looks official, has a bank routing number, and mentions a real company or settlement.

The scam works in stages. First, the fake check arrives with instructions to call a number or visit a website. When you call, the scammer asks you to verify personal information—your Social Security number, date of birth, bank account details. They may also ask you to send a small fee to "process" the check or claim it. Once they have your information or your money, they disappear.

Some scammers go further and ask you to deposit the fake check into your own account, then wire a portion of it back to them as a "tax payment" or "processing fee." Your bank will eventually discover the check is fraudulent and reverse the deposit, but by then you have already sent real money to the scammer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check I am unsure about and see if it clears?

You can, but it is risky. If the check is fake, your bank will discover it within days or weeks and reverse the deposit, leaving your account overdrawn. If the check came with instructions to send money back, you may have already sent real funds that you cannot recover. It is safer to verify the check before depositing it.

What if I already sent money to set up a fake FTC check?

Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, to your bank, and to your local police. If you sent money by wire transfer or gift card, contact the receiving company when ready—they may be able to freeze the account. If you sent it by check, contact your bank to see if the check can be stopped. Act quickly, as scammers move money fast.

Do I have to claim FTC refunds, or do they come automatically?

It depends on the settlement. Some settlements, like Equifax, send checks automatically to everyone affected. Others require you to submit a claim form by a important date. Check the FTC's settlement page for the specific case to see whether you need to take action. If you do, the page will have a link or instructions.

What if the check amount seems too small or too large?

Look up the settlement on the FTC website to see what the average refund is. Settlement amounts vary based on how much money was involved and how many people were harmed. If your amount is very different from what the FTC lists, contact the FTC to ask whether it is correct before depositing the check.

Can I call the FTC to ask about a check before I deposit it?

Yes. Call 1-877-438-4338 and describe the check. Have the settlement name, company name, and check amount ready. The FTC can tell you whether that settlement is real and whether the amount matches what people should receive.