Once the Christmas commercials hit TV my phone lines lit up. 7 attempted scams in the last 2 weeks including a $6,000 bad check and a $44,000 order by credit card. The common theme "I need it quick". Be careful - credit card companies don't protect you on phone orders, you have to have a signature.
Suggestion - On checks call a branch bank, they will help you where the main banking center will blow you off.
On credit cards call the issuer of the card, usually a bank. They will not give you info directly so ask questions like "If it was you, would you do this transaction?"
Happy Holidays!