Don't let greed get best of you

Oh, these people are smart.

And ruthless.

Though their methods vary, their success depends on one common denominator: Our greed.

We're talking about the escalating incidence of fraud. Earlier this week, we published a story showing an increase in fraud reports around Bonner County and all of North Idaho. What isn't said is this: There's a strong suspicion that the numbers would be much higher, but embarrassment precludes some victims from reporting their misfortune. Then there are many other prospective victims who don't fall for the trap, but don't report the attempted fraud, either.

The schemes are elaborately executed and seemingly valid. One common theme is that these thieves are using the names of real corporations, real banks, sometimes even real people's names as check signers — but the outcome is pure fraud and the victim is taken for money, identity theft or both.

Some checks come complete with a certificate of award letter and include claim numbers and authentic-looking bar codes. There are account numbers, logos, addresses, routing numbers and all the bells and whistles of real checks.

On one check recently sent to a woman in North Idaho, included in fine print on the border of the check: "The face of this document has a colored background on white paper and original document security screen on back with padlock security icon."

The only hint that the check might be bogus, the company's address included a misspelling. The check showed an exact address, as well as the state and zip code, but omits a city name. A check with the local FBI office showed the check was fake.

Our message today is twofold. First, help crack down on these con artists by reporting anything you think might be an attempt at fraud against you. To file a report, go to: http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/

The other message is simply to heed what your teachers, your parents, your grandparents and other wise people have told you all along. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.