| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
sd4f
Veteran Member
Joined: 30 Dec 2009
Posts: 104
Location: Australia
|
 Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 11:40 am Post subject: |
 |
|
| Halflip wrote: | Back in the days before PayPal was the de facto payment option for eBay, sellers there used to simply wait until buyers' checks cleared the banks before doing any shipping. This scam seems a little flawed in that it depends upon the seller failing to take this precaution.
Another option would be to tell the buyer that you will only accept cashier's checks or postal money orders. |
Unfortunately, any sorts of scams basically operate on a basis of casting a very wide net, and then hoping there's a catch. It may be one in a hundred, maybe one in a thousand, problem is, clearly there are enough for it to be worth the scammers time to engage in it.
On youtube there are a lot of videos demonstrating a modern rendition of this scam with call centres involved where they get an unwitting victim to follow their instructions, to enable the scammer access to their computer remotely. They'll get the victim to log into their bank and edit the html code in the browser to make it appear that there was an overpayment (this is trivially easy to do, most popular browsers allow you to edit the code), and demand that the victim return it in cash (by mail) or some easily transferrable product like a popular store's gift cards.
It's awful how many people get sucked in. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
LittleRusty
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 12665
Location: Gardena, Ca
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 12:31 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Halflip wrote: | | kehaulani wrote: | | Halflip wrote: |
Another option would be to tell the buyer that you will only accept cashier's checks or postal money orders. |
Nooooo Mister Bill.
That payment method is no longer bullet proof. That's a universal scam in is own right. |
I'm glad you and ketch22 pointed this out. I wasn't aware. (I guess it's harder than ever to avoid Mr. Sluggo these days.  ) |
Fraudulent cashiers checks are old news. At least a decade ago I saw a people’s court episode about someone who used a counterfeit cashiers check to scam a close relative. They are better for scammers as most people trust a bank issued cashiers check since the bank used to insure the money existed before issuing the check.
I guess all of these scams have passed out of the public’s memory so they work again.
My son and I went to a drug store to pick something up. While there my son noticed a frantic, crying young woman. As we left he pointed out she was trying to purchase gift cards.
I decided to go back in and talk to her. It turned out to be the IRS scam where they demand instant payment using gift cards or the police will take them to jail. Gift cards can be drained by getting the card’s number and pin so the theft occurs quickly with little effort or wait required by the scammer.
I explained the scam and talked her off the edge. She was totally frantic and couldn’t think logically. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Halflip
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 09 Jan 2003
Posts: 1937
Location: WI
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 12:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| LittleRusty wrote: | | I guess all of these scams have passed out of the public’s memory so they work again. |
In my case, they were never in my memory in the first place.  Again, I am grateful to learn at this late juncture that cashier's checks and postal money orders can be suspect.
| LittleRusty wrote: | | I explained the scam and talked her off the edge. She was totally frantic and couldn’t think logically. |
Good on you, LittleRusty. One thing I never believe anymore are phone calls and emails with dire messages demanding financial action.
_________________
"He that plays the King shall be welcome . . . " (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, Line 1416)
"He had no concept of the instrument. He was blowing into it." -- Virgil Starkwell's cello teacher in "Take the Money and Run" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhatpro
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Mar 2002
Posts: 10204
Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 2:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
These scammers are persistent. I just received this email from one of them:
Hi James, i want you to consider this deal sealed and payment has been sent out. Also the mover's fee has been added to the check for your convenience in order for you to schedule a pick up date and time.You will make the pick-up money payable to the movers when they come for pick-up, i have other equipments in storage they are moving along with yours.Regards.[/size]
I replied saying I was forwarding his message to a friend in the FBI.
_________________
Jim Hatfield
"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus
2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LittleRusty
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 12665
Location: Gardena, Ca
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 2:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| jhatpro wrote: | These scammers are persistent. I just received this email from one of them:
Hi James, i want you to consider this deal sealed and payment has been sent out. Also the mover's fee has been added to the check for your convenience in order for you to schedule a pick up date and time.You will make the pick-up money payable to the movers when they come for pick-up, i have other equipments in storage they are moving along with yours.Regards.
I replied saying I was forwarding his message to a friend in the FBI. |
Note how the scammer never mentions what they are buying. It is too much work to customize their scam. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LittleRusty
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 12665
Location: Gardena, Ca
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 3:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Halflip wrote: | | LittleRusty wrote: | | I explained the scam and talked her off the edge. She was totally frantic and couldn’t think logically. |
Good on you, LittleRusty. One thing I never believe anymore are phone calls and emails with dire messages demanding financial action. |
It was very satisfying to clear things up to her. Also I was proud of the son I raised. After all, his concern for her pushed me over the top so that I went back. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhatpro
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Mar 2002
Posts: 10204
Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:18 am Post subject: |
|
|
The beat goes on! FedEx just delivered a "cashier's check" for $3,360.55 for my horn, which was priced at $775.00. The balance is money I'm supposed to pay "the movers" when they show up to pick up the horn.
The check looks official as hell. Any suggestions as to which agency to send it to?
_________________
Jim Hatfield
"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus
2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
poketrum
Veteran Member
Joined: 04 Mar 2023
Posts: 160
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
deleted
Last edited by poketrum on Mon May 01, 2023 4:35 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhatpro
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Mar 2002
Posts: 10204
Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
Unfortunately, they do. I foolishly gave it to one of them before Little Rusty wised me up.
I doubt they'll go forward with anything if the check is never cashed but I guess I better call the cops to be safe.
_________________
Jim Hatfield
"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus
2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kehaulani
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 23 Mar 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: Hawai`i - Texas
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
| jhatpro wrote: | Unfortunately, they do. I foolishly gave it to one of them before Little Rusty wised me up.
I doubt they'll go forward with anything if the check is never cashed but I guess I better call the cops to be safe. |
https://www.ic3.gov/
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird
Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn
Last edited by kehaulani on Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:57 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhatpro
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Mar 2002
Posts: 10204
Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
The cops said not to worry if you don't cash the check. If they do, "we all have Glocks."
_________________
Jim Hatfield
"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus
2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kehaulani
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 23 Mar 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: Hawai`i - Texas
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 7:01 am Post subject: |
|
|
| jhatpro wrote: | | The cops said not to worry if you don't cash the check. If they do, "we all have Glocks." |
Not to be disrespectful of our Boys in Blue but they're armed macho types. Use my link and contact the FBI.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird
Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhatpro
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Mar 2002
Posts: 10204
Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 11:46 am Post subject: |
|
|
Visited our local PD and had a talk with a very bright young officer who said, "Even before you finish your story I know what happened because we get so many people calling and coming in with the same thing. Only most of them didn't have anyone like your friend to warn them."
He said just don't cash the check and you'll never hear from them again.
So thanks again, Little Rusty! I owe you a beer or twenty!
_________________
Jim Hatfield
"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus
2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TrumpetMD
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 22 Oct 2008
Posts: 2419
Location: Maryland
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 4:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| jhatpro wrote: | | So thanks again, Little Rusty! I owe you a beer or twenty! |
Jhatpro, if it's okay, I'll take care of this.
Rusty, I'm going to send you a cashier's check for $100. Instead of $20, keep $40 for your trouble, and send the other $60 back to me.
Thanks!!!
Mike
_________________
Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn (1969), Yamaha 13F4 Mouthpiece.
Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LittleRusty
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 12665
Location: Gardena, Ca
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 4:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| TrumpetMD wrote: | | jhatpro wrote: | | So thanks again, Little Rusty! I owe you a beer or twenty! |
Jhatpro, if it's okay, I'll take care of this.
Rusty, I'm going to send you a cashier's check for $100. Instead of $20, keep $40 for your trouble, and send the other $60 back to me.
Thanks!!!
Mike |
May I have your address so I can send you the money?
Also, if you just run to the nearest Walmart you could purchase gift cards and we could handle it over the phone.
Either way, please send me your address, phone number and social security number so we can ensure things go smoothly. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LittleRusty
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 12665
Location: Gardena, Ca
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 5:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| jhatpro wrote: | Visited our local PD and had a talk with a very bright young officer who said, "Even before you finish your story I know what happened because we get so many people calling and coming in with the same thing. Only most of them didn't have anyone like your friend to warn them."
He said just don't cash the check and you'll never hear from them again.
So thanks again, Little Rusty! I owe you a beer or twenty! |
Glad to be of service. As I age I get more worried that I will get caught by some new scam.
Picking a contractor to do my kitchen and two bathroom remodel has me really worried about being ripped off. The money is a a couple of orders of magnitude larger than a trumpet.
Also I watched too many of the Holmes contractor shows. He basically exposes bad renovations done by sketchy contractors. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TrumpetMD
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 22 Oct 2008
Posts: 2419
Location: Maryland
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 5:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| LittleRusty wrote: | | TrumpetMD wrote: | | jhatpro wrote: | | So thanks again, Little Rusty! I owe you a beer or twenty! |
Jhatpro, if it's okay, I'll take care of this.
Rusty, I'm going to send you a cashier's check for $100. Instead of $20, keep $40 for your trouble, and send the other $60 back to me.
Thanks!!!
Mike |
May I have your address so I can send you the money?
Also, if you just run to the nearest Walmart you could purchase gift cards and we could handle it over the phone.
Either way, please send me your address, phone number and social security number so we can ensure things go smoothly. |
LOL.
Mike.
_________________
Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn (1969), Yamaha 13F4 Mouthpiece.
Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
LittleRusty
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 12665
Location: Gardena, Ca
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2023 5:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| TrumpetMD wrote: | | LittleRusty wrote: | | TrumpetMD wrote: | | jhatpro wrote: | | So thanks again, Little Rusty! I owe you a beer or twenty! |
Jhatpro, if it's okay, I'll take care of this.
Rusty, I'm going to send you a cashier's check for $100. Instead of $20, keep $40 for your trouble, and send the other $60 back to me.
Thanks!!!
Mike |
May I have your address so I can send you the money?
Also, if you just run to the nearest Walmart you could purchase gift cards and we could handle it over the phone.
Either way, please send me your address, phone number and social security number so we can ensure things go smoothly. |
LOL.
Mike. |
Thanks for the nice setup.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tptptp
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 Oct 2001
Posts: 1410
Location: Georgia
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2023 4:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
Here's another angle that almost got me:
I needed to contact customer service for an order I placed on "so-and-so" website. Couldn't find a phone number on the website, so I googled "so-and-so customer service number." Found a number and called. Guy asked for some personal info "to verify my identity" and I hung up.
I don't think he was my friendly customer service agent after all.
_________________
Craig Mitchell |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Kallcarrty
New Member
Joined: 18 Apr 2024
Posts: 1
|
| Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2024 11:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| That does sound fishy. I've heard of similar scams where they send you a fake check and ask you to wire back the extra money. It's a classic scam tactic. Definitely avoid it and stick to safer payment methods, like cash or a secure online platform. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
