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JEFFERSON CITY -- More than a million consumers have fallen victim to fake check scams, according to the Consumer Federation of America.

It's a situation we've told you about before but a new report has uncovered some alarming trends.

Two months ago, we told you about Sandrey Cooper - a Belle grandmother who lost almost $4000 in a fake check scam.

Cooper had gotten a letter in the mail telling her she won $1 million. Along with the letter was a check for $6000. To get the million, all she had to do was wire $4000 to Canada for taxes and administrative fees. The check was bogus and her money was long gone.

Now, a startling new study shows she's not alone.

The Consumer Federation of America, a consumer advocacy group, says nearly a third of adults have been approached with fake check scams - and over a million have become actual victims.

"In today's economy, with so many people struggling just to make ends meet," vulnerability is at an "all time high," said Susan Grant, the CFA director. "Promises of sudden riches, or ways to make money, are especially attractive."

The CFA study found the most common fake check scams involve winning the lottery or a phony sweepstakes. Fake grants and work-at-home jobs are also fairly common.

Like with Cooper, the average loss is around $4000, netting billions worldwide for fake check scammers.

"I followed the instructions and sent the money three times, which is a total of about $6000," said Harry Smith, who fell victim to a fake check scam. "I didn't have any reason to suspect the checks were counterfeit but I had a nagging doubt the whole time that this was some sort of a setup."

Since the checks look real, consumers often deposit them right away. Federal law requires banks to give customers access to the money. But once the bank discovers it's a fraud, the consumer's on the hook to repay the bank.

The consumer group has started a Web site, Fakechecks.org , to warn people about check scams. They say you should never agree to wire money to a company you don't know and never agree to pay to claim a prize.

It's a costly lesson for some that will hopefully save others.

Consumer Tips from CFA:

• Never agree to pay to claim a prize. No legitimate sweepstakes or lottery would ever send you a check or money order and ask you to send payment in return. If you really won, you would pay taxes directly to the government.
• Never agree to pay for grants from the government or foundations. They don't offer money to people unexpectedly or charge to get it. Most grants to go organizations, not individuals, and require a lengthy and extensive application process.
• Never agree to cash checks and send the money somewhere as part of a job working from home. That is not how legitimate employers operate.
• Never agree to wire money to anyone you have not met in person and known for a long time.
• If it seems suspicious, get advice. Consult your state or local consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspection Service, or another trust source.
• Remember that there is no legitimate reason why anyone who wants to give you a check or money order for something would ever ask you to send money anywhere in return.