Have you ever received an unexpected check or money order in the mail that looks so real its hard to be true? Maybe its not as real as you think.  Check out some tips to make sure you don't fall victim to a Check Scam.

Is that check real Or a scam?

If you get an unexpected check or money order that looks so real — beware. Not only is it probably fake, but it is most likely a scam. How can you tell? Here’s one certain sign: It will direct you to deposit the check into your account and send money in return, keeping a nice “bonus” for yourself.

Everything may look and sound legitimate, but as the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The check is most likely phony and you will lose money.

Signs it’s a scam:

• You’re informed that you’ve won a foreign lottery and are asked to cash a check and send money to cover taxes or fees.

• A work-at-home opportunity involves cashing a check, keeping some money and wire transferring the rest.

• You’re told you’ve been overpaid for an item you sold on the Internet and should return the extra money by wire transfer.

• Someone e-mails you and seeks a favor, asking you to cash their check and wire transfer them the money.

Remember: Never wire transfer money to a stranger. Congratulations! You’ve won!

You win $1 million in a contest you never entered. Is it good luck or is it a scam?

Sweepstakes scams come in many forms. You may receive a letter or a phone call saying you’ve won a contest, international lottery or sweepstakes. Regardless of the pitch, it’s almost always a scam: You never receive the money you supposedly won. No matter how real it seems, never send money in exchange for a prize; you didn’t win anything and you are about to be ripped off.

Signs of a scam:

• You win a contest you never entered.

• You’re asked to wire transfer money.

• You receive an unexpected check in the mail.

• The winning notice is sent via bulk mail.

• You must pay “taxes” or administrative fees.

• The contest name is deceptively similar (even identical) to a well-known organization.