Scam?

[andy-hughes]

I have been contacted in my capacity as a writer to proof and edit a document, and asked for a quote.

We have agreed a fee, and I have asked for £50 deposit.

The client advises me that a cheque has been sent, but for £220, could I refund the difference?

Now, in theory, nothing can go wrong - if the money is not credited to my accont, obviously i send no money back, but something is not quite ringing true.

I have written back asking for a cheque for £50 for the deposit as agreed, and I will complete the task on its receipt, and invoice for the remainder.

the erronious cheque I have agreed to return or destroy as the client wishes.

So - i can't lose, but even so, this is sounding very much like a scam - anyone got any thoughts?

[grasscarp]

As most others say - well known scam. Why would they need to send you a larger cheque? Makes no sense. At least you have decided this already.

[Prudie]

Being logical there is no earthly reason why they would ask for £170 back when presumably at some later date they will be paying off the balance anyway. I'm not sure of the technical way it works but the cheque doesn't clear, it can happen with paypal payments too and Western Union is famous for such fraudulent transactions.

[andy-hughes]

Thanks all.

You have backed up what I already thought - if it looks too good to be true ....

[tamborine]

As you mispelled erroneous & account and commas misplaced after but/and, best you forward work to me ;)

[jomifl]

Their ar soo menny tipos on diss fred, it's doin me eddin.

[tamborine]

Oooops jordy.....am for it - lol

[andy-hughes]

tambo - "As you mispelled erroneous & account and commas misplaced after but/and, best you forward work to me ;)

OK!

[tamborine]

I luv yall - lol.

[andy-hughes]

Jordyboy - "..It's just a talent that I have - jealous..?why should i be jealous of someone who spends so much time on here he has become a bit of a bore ... "

That was just a light-hearted prod at your vaguely rude post, apologies if you did not interperet it as such.

"... anyone who agrees with me will not say anything in fear of suspension or worse ..."

Not from me I assure you, I cannot speak for anyone else. I have never suspended anyone on AB - perhaps you are confusing me with someone else?

"... personally i think you are a bit of a bully ..."

I am genuinely sorry that you feel that way - I shall refrakn from any playful interaction with you in future, it is obviously either not understood, or not appreciated. Whicever, I am not in the business of making you feel uncomfortable.

Again, apologies for any misunderstanding.

[andy-hughes]

Jordy - "Think so tambo you could be right ...

but he / she is not, as he / she knows - and now, you know too.

[hc4361]

Don't know why you're apologising, Andy.

[tamborine]

Awww, am she, with fresh silk knickers ;)

[ummmm]

Told you you apologised too much Andy :-)

[jennyjoan]

Andy

Don't want to hurt you but you would need to refrain from proof-reading as reading your posts there were many mistakes.

EG - there are no commas before and after 'but' and 'and'.

No, I am not jealous as I have proof-read for 37 years. Sorry about that, Andy.

[ummmm]

As mentioned the other day Andy has worn off the letters on his keyboard so there are bound to be mistakes...

[jennyjoan]

You can get a new keyboard for about a fiver.

[andy-hughes]

hc4361 - "Don't know why you're apologising, Andy."

I have learned in my time on the AB that written communication has its drawbacks - one of which is that meanings and intentions can get lost in the medium between transmission and receipt.

For that reason, it is perfectly possible for people to draw incorrect impresions, either of individual posts, or over a period of time, of individual posters.

I know that I am not a bully, I also know that I would not suspend anyone simply for not agreeing with me - I have yet to make my first suspension of any kind, it certainly would not be on a personal basis.

I tend to ramble on, but that is entirely a result of my everlasting enjoyment of writing, and exchanging views - it is not intended to be dogmatic, patronising, bullying, or any of the other things i am on occasion accused of.

As far as apologising goes - I really do not like to be thought badly of, however incorrect the impression may be - and I offer my apologies because the wrong impression is drawn from my posts on here only, so I must take a measure of responsibility for the wrong impression they have given.

I accept that this is part and parcel of AB life - I love to debate with anyone and everyone, I will take as much teasing as is offered, in the spirit it is offered, and respond accordingly.

Thanks for your support.