Wachovia bank checks are real

Some 740,000 consumers were recently mailed checks for $149 from the U.S. District Court Settlement Administrator in Philadelphia as part of a settlement agreement with Wachovia Bank. They're the real deal.

The checks were mailed Dec. 11 as part of a $150 million class-action settlement. They were sent to consumers who ordered products or services from certain telemarketing firms and paid by electronically created checks.

As a reminder, you never have to pay money to receive money. So if you are mailed a check from Wachovia Bank or any other financial company, along with a letter saying you need to wire money somewhere, it's a scam.

(Thanks, BBB!)