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So, I received a counterfeit cashier's check...

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livinginthepast

livinginthepast

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...in the mail today.

It's a classic counterfeit check scam. They used the "buy it now" option on ebay to purchase a motorcycle from me. Then came all the special instructions, and today I received the check for thousands more than the sale price to cover shipping. I have a UK address, the check is printed on a check with contact info from a BMW dealership in IL. Oh, and I have two e-mail contact addresses.

What would you do?
 
Contact all the correct authorities and put it back on again
 
I know that is the correct answer, but there's part of me that wants to find a way scam the scammers! :smile:

Seriously, I spoke to the FBI not long ago and they pointed me to a web page to report such things. Didn't seem terribly interested, though.

I'm going to call the BMW dealership that "issued" the check and dig a little deeper before I do anything else.

Oh yeah, the bike was relisted the same day it was sold. These guys are so transparent it's difficult to understand how anyone falls for this stuff.
 
I'm thinking that you still have the bike.
At least you're thinking about what's going on.
I hope you nail these guys!Let the "Good Guys"
win for a change.
Please let us know how this turns out.

- Doug
 
Yeah, they aren't interested in the bike. What they want is for me to cash the cashier's check, which is made out for $2700$ more than the purchase price of the bike, and then wire their "shipping company" the extra $2700 to cover the shipping costs.

Because it's a cashier's check, banks are usually quick to release funds. However, after a week or two passes, the check is reported as counterfeit and the victim is responsible for paying back the funds. Scammers get 2700$, victims get screwed.

I'm calling the BMW dealership named on the check this morning (hopefully they are open on the fourth - they will probably be interested in this tidbit of info). I'll call the bank on Monday.

I'm sure nothing will come of it - as most of these guys are operating out of Nigeria or some such...
 
Contact the Postal Inspectors also. They might be more interested than the FBI.
 
livinginthepast said:
I have a UK address, the check is printed on a check with contact info from a BMW dealership in IL. Oh, and I have two e-mail contact addresses.

What would you do?
Click to expand...

I think you ought to contact the UK Trading Standards Office and the Local UK Constabulary- this is commercial fraud and I'm sure they ought to take an interest.
 
My experience with all of these is that there are so many going on that the authorities have little time, interest or concern. Pursuing it will get no results except perhaps some interesting information which unfortunately will not help when then next one arrives.
 
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