A Special Message from Reader's Digest

Beware of fake check scams, especially during tough financial times.

Beware of Fake Check Scams! Scam artists are preying on consumers and fraudulently using the names of trusted companies like Reader's Digest. Some scams mimic prize award notifications. Victims receive a phony check and are asked to return a portion of the winnings to the sender. A legitimate sweepstakes never asks an entrant or a winner to pay money. If someone says you've won a prize and asks for payment of any kind, contact the National Consumers League at 1701 K St. NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006 or FakeChecks.org. In these tough economic times, it's more important than ever to protect yourself against scams. Learn more at readersdigest.com/scam.

Read more about scams during tough financial times.