Just recieved this from someone:
"Hi,
My name is David. I have a client that is interested in buying your item,he informed me that the payment will be remmited via a Cheque or Money Order.is the price you listed for the item firm?In order to conclude the deal as soon as possible, the Cheque or Money Order that will be sent to you will include the money for the sales of your item and the shippers fees for organising a home pick up service.You do not need to worry as my shipping company will come to pick the item up from your base for shipment. What I want to clarify is that will you be able to send the shipping charges to the shipping agent through Western Union Money Transfer method as soon as you get and cash the Cheque and you deduct the money for the sales of your item?If you agree to assist in this capacity , send your full name,your address and phone numbers. David... "
The magic words "western union" mean it's almost certainly a scam. No honest person will only offer to pay by western union.
If you encounter an email like this i'd suggest no reply.
Chris
Posted: 01/11/2005 13:01:49 By: Secondhandman |
Had the same email sent to me about my mainsail!!
Posted: 01/11/2005 13:18:58 By: Rob Wilder |
Had something similar but just insisted "Terms: Cash Only" and met with silence.
Posted: 02/11/2005 13:00:21 By: Pat |
The scam works in that whilst the cheque looks like it has cleared when you check you bank account, it actually isn't fully cleared.
"The crux of the scam is that the victim does not believe there is any risk in doing this, due to public misunderstanding of the banks 'clearing' cycle.
Once a cheque/banker's draft has 'cleared' it will show in a bank account as a credit and funds to the value of it can be drawn out. However, if the cheque/bankers draft is fraudulent or stolen its value will be taken back out of the account to which it was paid when this fact is discovered. This can be up to weeks later." http://cms.met.police.uk/news/appeals/fraud/criminal_cashback_fraud
Posted: 03/11/2005 13:31:58 By: Alan F |
So basically, a cheque never really clears. It just stops being 'uncleared' and can still be taken back months later. My bank told me this the other day.
Which isnt much comfort for someone who sells on ebay!
Posted: 03/11/2005 13:55:52 By: Mags |
The answer to this scam is to have a seperate bank account, pay the check in, wait until the cash for the ammount will be released by the bank over the counter, then you can continue with the sale if you so wish. Or do as i do, cash or paypal (don't forget to pass the % onto the buyer) is fine. or electronic bank transfer, and get then to leave a landline number for you to call them on to give them account details for the above account only.
Posted: 03/11/2005 15:35:05 By: prepared. |
a friend sold a bike on ebay in a simular way found it was a scam reported it to the bank, they took the money out of his account and charged him the difference in the exchange rate over £500. they can take the money back up to 6 mths after it has been paid into your account.
Posted: 03/11/2005 16:49:42 By: Paul Hollis |
Why not bait the Scammers?. By giving them incorrect control numbers for the western union money transfer, they will drive hundreds of miles out of their way to collect monies, only to find that their efforts have been fruitless!
This scam is also known as the nigeria 419 scam. It is interesting to see how much money that this is worth. By 1996 (pre email boom) the scams had netted around 5billion US$ and is one of Nigerias largest industries! More info on the scamster baiting on the link http://www.freewebs.com/lowbridge/
Posted: 03/11/2005 17:58:20 By: Hoof hearted |
if you enjoy the thought of scamming the scammers, then read this. it will take a while as its quite long, but its worth it. http://www.zug.com/pranks/powerbook/
Posted: 04/11/2005 15:08:14 By: Mags |
Also watch out for cheques supposedly drawn on a BUPA International Account - if in doubt phone BUPA.
We received one made out for £1,250 for £210 holiday!! Could we send the balance back!!!
Men in blue now dealing with it.
Posted: 04/11/2005 15:51:41 By: Miles |