The Nigerian Counterfeit Cashier's
Check Scam involves a response to an
online offer to sell or auction goods
(usually expensive items). Here is how
the new scam may unfold:
-
The con artist
"buyer" emails the seller to express
interest in the item, offering to
pay with a U.S. bank cashier's
check.
-
Once the offer is
accepted, the "buyer" makes some
excuse for sending a cashier's check
that is several thousand dollars
more than the cost of the item and
wants the seller to send excess
money: 1) to cover transportation
costs for the purchased good; 2)
because the buyer's secretary made a
mistake and put the wrong check in
the envelope; 3) with the purchased
product; or 4) to a third party to
cover an existing debt.
-
Credibility is
added to the ploy when the "buyer"
insists that the money only be sent
after the cashier's check clears.
-
The cashier's
check is an elaborate counterfeit
and it takes the bank longer than
usual to discover the fake.
-
The seller thinks
they have received a good check and
sends the good and the “extra” cash.
-
The bank notifies
the seller the cashier’s check is a
counterfeit and removes the check
amount from the seller’s account.
The seller lost the goods and cash.
Counterfeit Cashier’s Check Alert
Consumers must be alert to the fact that
just because money from the check may be
made quickly available doesn't mean a
check is valid. The check must go back
to the originating bank and it must
clear. This process can take several
days and, in the case of an elaborate
counterfeit, may take a few weeks.
Report Nigerian Fraud Attempts
If
you or any member of your family has
been a victim of any form of the
Nigerian scam, contact the United States
Secret Service, the lead agency fighting
this fraud at 202-406-5572. If you
receive an email relating to advanced
fee fraud, please forward the email to
the Secret Service at: 419.fcd@usss.treas.gov.
If you receive a
letter in the mail, you may send or fax
it to:
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