# Farewell the charity cheque scam?

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/11/27/farewell-charity-cheque-scam/
- Published: 2007-11-27T21:54:36+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The cheque scam that has been attempted on a number of charities could soon be a
thing of the past, if changes by the banking industry take effect. The scam involves
sending a large donation by cheque to a charity from a previously unknown donor.
The ‘donor’ then contacts the charity to say it was a mistake and could the charity
refund part of the sum. Any charities that oblige will find a little while later
that the original cheque is a dud, and so end up out of pocket.

According to the BBC ([Cheque payments given certainty](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7112829.stm)),“
from 30 November, cheques will clear with absolute certainty, six days after being
paid in.” Previously banks have always been able to recoup money from a customer’s
account, should the cheque prove fraudulent or bounce. This clawback could take 
weeks to occur, leaving the customer with a nasty shock.

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