Scam alert
Aug 9, 2018 10:34:46 #
Stupid is that stupid does. These scams have been around for years and there people that fall for them. That’s why there still in business.
Aug 9, 2018 11:18:39 #
I have seen phony checks dishonored by banks WEEKS after they have been received. If the check turns out to be phony, even if the bank has a "policy" that checks may take 10 days to clear does not absolve you of liability on a bad check.
Aug 9, 2018 11:45:11 #
And I can almost guarantee it is a scam if they request you wire the funds via Western Union, where it is nearly impossible to recover funds wired via their service in the event of a scam transaction.
Aug 9, 2018 12:42:15 #
This isn't anything recent, it's been going on for decades. And not just in the photography business either. It is simply common sense to wait until the check has verifiably cleared before sending a refund. If a client says he urgently needs the money back, then he should take out a loan at a financial institution, or perhaps borrow the money from friends and family.
Aug 9, 2018 13:18:51 #
josquin1
Loc: Massachusetts
In the words of Gore Vidal, "Never underestimate the stupidity of the American public."
Aug 9, 2018 14:12:56 #
HawaiianEye wrote:
Perhaps you're right, but Bank of Hawaii's mobile deposit accepts and clears deposits of up to $5000 within minutes in my experience. I repeat: caveat emptor.
If the check bounces does that bank let you keep the new deposit? My bank lets me use the money but if the check bounces in a couple of weeks they come back to me and ask for it back.
Aug 9, 2018 14:20:09 #
Exactly. They let you use the money, but if the check bounces they take the money back and you are left holding the bag.
Obviously, the scam is a criminal act, but in most cases, the criminals are untraceable, or worse, are overseas, so good luck filing a criminal complaint. NEVER GIVE MONEY BACK until the bank has unconditionally confirmed, in writing that the check has cleared completely. that even means sending back one of your own checks. I have seen situations where you get a check and deposit it. then they ask for a check back from you. YOur check clears and their's bounces...
Obviously, the scam is a criminal act, but in most cases, the criminals are untraceable, or worse, are overseas, so good luck filing a criminal complaint. NEVER GIVE MONEY BACK until the bank has unconditionally confirmed, in writing that the check has cleared completely. that even means sending back one of your own checks. I have seen situations where you get a check and deposit it. then they ask for a check back from you. YOur check clears and their's bounces...
Aug 9, 2018 14:34:38 #
Never send money up front. If you have money you never want to see again, send ti to me.
Aug 9, 2018 15:10:32 #
HawaiianEye wrote:
From the Scambusters editors: br br If you're a ... (show quote)
I receive a check for an item I had for sale that was about $3,000 over the selling price asking for the difference to be refunded. I didn't fall for it but researched the check and it was legitimate from a real firm in Texas. Looks like there was a theft or a copy of a real check.
I let the firm know, they thanked me and I disposed of the check.
Aug 9, 2018 15:15:39 #
I was once asked by an overseas client to verify a "cashier's check" drawn on a major bank for over 1 million USD. When I called the bank security division, they almost laughed at me, saying they get inquires on a couple of them a day.
it was beautifully printed on and ink jet printer. Also, it is very easy to counterfeit real checks. Creative scammers buy magnetic ink for their printers to print the ABA and account numbers on the bottom.
it was beautifully printed on and ink jet printer. Also, it is very easy to counterfeit real checks. Creative scammers buy magnetic ink for their printers to print the ABA and account numbers on the bottom.
Aug 9, 2018 15:22:07 #
AlohaBob wrote:
I don't mean to be snarky, but wouldn't someone have to be very gullible to refund money that wasn't received? On top of that, if you're not set up for it, wiring money is cumbersome and time consuming. I guess there probably are folks who don't know that the money's not instantly in your account when they deposit a check.
It works! It's was a well known scam a few years ago and had been for years before that. Sounds like someone new has revived it!
Aug 9, 2018 15:32:51 #
AlohaBob wrote:
I don't mean to be snarky, but wouldn't someone have to be very gullible to refund money that wasn't received? On top of that, if you're not set up for it, wiring money is cumbersome and time consuming. I guess there probably are folks who don't know that the money's not instantly in your account when they deposit a check.
I have been around the block a few times and one of the things I found out that there are some gullible people out there who will bite. I was 19 when I came back from the Philippines and did not know about scams. So, I got into the Canadian lottery scam for about 6 months until I found out that it was illegal that was in 1971-72. Since then, I made the sucker list. I then decided to become the scam finder and could not believe how many people do get caught up in the scams. Elder people sadly were the most victimized by lottery scams and other scams to many to mention. Now adays, the scams are getting more sophisticated it is getting hard to know which ones are on the up and up and when a fool and his money are soon parted. The buzz word I guess is diligence.
Aug 9, 2018 22:11:29 #
HawaiianEye wrote:
Perhaps you're right, but Bank of Hawaii's mobile deposit accepts and clears deposits of up to $5000 within minutes in my experience. I repeat: caveat emptor.
I think the problem is that, even if your bank says it has cleared a deposit, if the check subsequently bounces (as it will in this case), they will debit the deposit from your account. And there is nothing you can do about it, apart from not falling from the scam in the first place.
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