Oregon Department of Justice

Oregon small businesses, churches and non-profits continue to be tricked into contracting for unwanted services by depositing small checks that arrive in the mail. The checks appear to be refunds or payments on small debts, but depositing a check signs up the victim for unwanted Internet access or yellow page advertising and obliges payment.

Oregon law generally prohibits what are known as "activation checks" or "live checks." The Oregon Department of Justice recently took court action against three companies that profited from check activation schemes.

Consumers, businesses and non-profit groups wanting more information about check activation scams and other consumer protection issues may call the Attorney General's consumer hotline at 1-877-877-9392. Justice is online at http://www.doj.state.or.us.