State warns of check scams

Annapolis - State officials are warning Marylanders of scams involving fraudulent checks that appear to be issued by the state.

"We want to assure every Marylander that the State is not and will never be involved in any secret-shopper program," Comptroller Peter Franchot said in a release. "These checks are fraudulent and should be reported to the authorities. In these tough economic times, I understand it is exciting to receive an unexpected check in the mail.

"However, depositing these checks will result in more debt, as the account holder will be responsible for covering the check once it...