Via GAO.

An offer to buy hundreds of dollars in Metrocheks online for much less than they’re worth may seem appealing. But, according to Metro, it’s a “likely illegal” process.

Metrocheks are the old version of SmartBenefits, a program that allows employers to “assign the dollar value of employees’ monthly commuting benefit directly to” a SmarTrip card. They were discontinued in 2009 “to reduce the potential for fraud,” Metro spokesperson Dan Stessel says, but their value can still be transferred to a SmarTrip card. And while someone is selling $450 worth of Metrocheks on eBay for just over $2 (!), they shouldn’t be.

Here, as Stessel points out, is the statement on the back of the Metrochek:

“Metrocheks may be used or exchanged for WMATA or non-WMATA fares only by the person to whom it is validly issued. Only employers or WMATA-approved agents may issue valid Metrocheks and only directly to qualified employees. The use, sale, or exchange of Metrocheks by any other person makes the Metrochek invalid, and is therefore, illegal and subjects the person to arrest and/or prosecution.”

Stessel said “Metro Transit Police detectives are aware of the sale and are taking appropriate action.”

A 2007 report from the Government Accountability Office found many instances of federal employees “fraudulently selling their Metrocheks on eBay.”

For example, one GS-14 Department of the Treasury employee drove to work, parked for free in agency-provided parking, and was still able to collect $105 per month in Metrocheks—most of which he sold on eBay.