If you get a $4,500 check in the mail from United Way of Central Indiana, don’t cash it.

That’s the word from officials at the charity’s Indianapolis office, who say consumers across the state are being targeted in a scam.

Recipients are told they have “won” a prize check through JPMorgan Chase Bank and are obligated to pay tax on it. They then are instructed to wire the taxes to London.United Way has neither issued nor authorized any such payments, officials said in a news release today. “We have reported the fraud to the bank and to appropriate legal authorities,” President and CEO Ellen K. Annala said.None of United Way’s donated funds is at risk, added Annala, whose group provides human services and education support for children in six metro-area counties.“We are outraged that anyone would use our good name for ill gain. These criminals are preying upon people who may be tempted, especially in uncertain economic times, to try to cash these fraudulent checks,” Annala said in the release.“The checks are not valid, and we are told that anyone who cashes a bad check can be held responsible for doing so.”It was unclear Friday afternoon how many Hoosiers had received checks or whether any had been cashed.Officials urge anyone who receives such mailings to contact:>>U.S. Postal Inspector, (877) 876-2455, or file a complaint online at www.usps.com/postalinspectors;&g... Trade Commission: (877) 382-4357; or the>>Better Business Bureau: (317) 488-2222 or toll-free in Indiana (866) 463-9222.