If you get a big check from Comcast, call the police

The scams just get better and better. Here is the story of a Georgia man who received a very convincing $3788.50 check from Comcast. The enclosed letter instructed him to buy $3000 in pre-paid gift cards, deposit the check, and keep the balance of the check for payment of services.

According to WSB-TV, this scam has been around for a long time, but its use of the Comcast name is new.

Two big red flags in the letter are to "act quickly" and tell no one about the job. But hey, it's also common knowledge that Comcast isn't in the retail service quality business. In addition, why would anyone pay for a job before it is performed, much less send a check by mail to someone before being hired?

Fortunately, this potential victim was smart enough to report it to the police, primarily because he was suspicious, but also because he is not a Comcast customer. Sadly, some folks do fall victim to a ruse like this. The check does look real.

For more information, see the WSB-TV story at http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/scam-uses-cable-companys-name-trick-customers/np8gT/.