Using Identity of DBO Escrow Licensee to Check Scam

The Department of Business Oversight (DBO) has been notified unknown persons are attempting to cash fraudulent checks they falsely represent as issued by DBO licensee Foresite Escrow Inc. The perpetrators are contacting individuals through Craigslist and other websites and purporting to buy services or goods with the fraudulent checks. The perpetrators ask the provider of the service or goods to cash the check and return the remaining amount to the perpetrators. Foresite Escrow Inc. is not issuing these checks, nor has it authorized any individual to do so.

The DBO advises individuals who receive such contacts to notify local law enforcement authorities. To check whether an escrow company or other financial service provider is licensed, or to file a complaint, consumers should go to the DBO website at https://docqnet.dbo.ca.gov/licensesearch/, or call 1-866-275-2677.