Klarinet Archive - Posting 000903.txt from 2003/08

From: "David C Kumpf" <dkumpf@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Watch out for this scam
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2003 18:27:49 -0400

Umesh wrote:

> From what I know this is a standard scam: you get a
> bogus check,
> you deposit it, you send back some smaller amount with a
> legitimate check
> before the bank discovers that it is fake (typically this can
> take a week
> or two), and the person makes off with your real money. These
> people are
> probably looking on niche sites like ours to run the scam.
> Don't fall for
> it!

Yes - this scam has been run on some members of the Audi Quattro list as
well...with some significant and unfortunate losses. Below is a set of
recent messages on the topic, edited to remove names.

Dave Kumpf
dkumpf@-----.com

----------------

Hey guys,
I've posted about this before. I'm VERY sorry to hear about
that ---------. Its a very common scam now. One I've dealt with a
few times as a banker. I always advise great caution when doing
such a transaction, and ALWAYS wait untill funds have cleared
and to trace the routing number of the check. IT alsways shows
up as incorrect or not matchign the info on the check.
I'll forward you a service announcement. Go to the US Secret
Service Website link at the bottom. They consider it a national
security issue.
Unfortunately for you, theres not much you can do with the
Bank. Your responsibe for knowing the source of funds in your
account and if you questions somethign you need to get the bank
involved. I'm not putting any one down, just sayint how it is.
ITs to bad and MANY innocent people like have you been taken.
Just a couple days ago I got the "pleasure" of explaining to a
nice gentleman that the $7,000 Cashiers Check he had for the
Yamaha R1 he sold a couple days ago was FAKE. Poor guy.
Anyhow, I'll forward the thing. Maybe it will be of SOME
help.
Good Luck
-----------
Banker - US Bank

[unfortunately, the Secret Service link did not come through]

-------- wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> Just a heads-up: A few weeks ago I was the target of a scam on
> the audifans classified section. I received an email from a
> guy who was willing to buy my car, said he would wire the
> money, and ended up depositing a significant amount over the
> agreed amount into my account. He requested that I wire this
> back, and I did, only to find out later from my bank that the
> deposit wasn't a wire but a counterfeit check. Needless to
> say, I got taken for an overwhelming amount of money, and I am
> currently in a legal battle with my bank.
>
> So, in short, if you see anything suspicious, run away. If you
> have a doubt, there is no doubt.

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