Ever since I joined Ebay, I have had alot of scam attempts. Buyers claiming to be from Nigeria or other countries buying my items and then sending fake paypal letters. Usually I can tell the difference , but one time inparticular I almost got scammed for thousands of dollars! I wanted to write this guide to help others before it happens to them. There is a new fraud called the “cashiers check” or “advanced fee” fraud, It has become more prevalent as online auctions and classified ads become more popular. If a buyer wants to pay you by check and wants you to wire some of the money back beware!!! It’s a scam that could cost you thousands of dollars.

1. It starts with someone buying something that you have advertised, then they will sell you a pitch that will sound believable.
2. A fraudulent buyer offers to send a cashiers check or money order for an amount much larger then the value of the auctioned item.
3. Then the buyer will ask you to deduct the amount for the item purchased, all your seller fees, fees, postage, and expenses.
4. Then he or she will ask you wire all of the remaining balance as soon as you cash the check. (It will sound to good to be true)

After you receive the check it could be up to a few thousand dollars more then what your item costs. You then deposit it in your bank and wire the rest of the money and find out weeks or months later that the check was fake and YOU have to pay all that money back. It sounds scary huh?

Here are some tips to be aware of and look for.

1. The buyer often claims to be in another country and say’s it’s to difficult to send the money directly.
2. They will tell you to wire the money as soon as you deposit it in your bank or cash it.
3. The checks are fake but look real, so real even bank tellers are sometimes fooled.
4. You don’t have to wait long to use the money, but that doesn’t mean that the check is good. Under the federal law banks have to make the funds avaliable to you quickly depending on the type of check. It can take a few months for the forgery to be discovered.
5. DON’T DEPOSIT IT REPORT IT!!!!