how does this work

[justmetoo]

has anyone been asked to put a check in there bank for a stranger, cash it keep 10 % and send the rest on by western union..? is this a scam anyone knows about..??

[weeal]

that cheque again?

[Ethel]

It's a very well known scam.

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/overpayment-scam.ht ml

[Whickerman]

my god is this rearing its head again?

(also - hi weeal, how the hell are you?)

This is an old one - usually it involves a car sale but not always. You cash the cheque. Keep the 10%. Your bank gives you the rest to give to the other person who disappears. 4-5 days later you get a call from your bank that the cheque is invalid/not enough funds etc, and your account is in the red for the amount - even though it appears that by cashing it or crediting your account in the first place that your bank is giving it the ok. You are left out of pocket and not a leg to stand on,

Run a mile.

[Whickerman]

more here too

http://baheyeldin.com/technology/technology-in -society/craigslist-scam-cheque-and-western-un ion-for-more-than-amount.html

[weeal]

how does it relate to your earlier question http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Business-and-Fi nance/Question628541.html

Hi Whickerman Im brill hope you are too x

[chrisrob]

This is a well known scam - one of many originating in Nigeria. You get the check when you agree to pay 90% of it into another account. Your money goes out but the cheque bounces!

[justmetoo]

well I just got a phone call from a stranger who said to cash the check wait till it clears and keep 10% and western union the moneyto him...?????

[weeal]

so the mystery caller has your full name, correct address and telephone number?

[Ethel]

Rip the cheque up now - or give it to the police.

This is a stolen cheque (or fake cheque) for sure.

[justmetoo]

I dont understand I have a Halifax check..money to be sent when it clears.....I know its a scam.........I just dont understand how this one works if I have the check.......I m probably being a bit thick......but I dont get it....

[weeal]

earlier when you had the other thread going I gave good sensible advice

[justmetoo]

yes he does weeal, and I dont know how.....now its getting bad.......

[justmetoo]

Im ripping the damn thing up, how did he get my mobile number name and address, I live in Spain, much more difficult I would think........

[Ethel]

Have you given that information in any online surveys, questionnaires, website registration, email link, anything in the last 18 months or so?

[Ethel]

How did your caller sound? Man, woman, any sort of accent?

Didn't you say - who the hell are you and how did you get my number and why are sending me cheques?

Is it possible to trace the call?

[justmetoo]

I didnt give any details on the net, he has emailed me requesting payment to be sent to a London address, Iv ripped the check up , and ignored the email......lets hope thats an end to it........so guys beware, these people are very crafty, he has my mobile number, I got that number 2 days ago, so I will get rid of that as well........thank you all for the good advice...it realy helped me.....thanks guys...

[Whickerman]

here's the kicker - your bank can clear a cheque, find out weeks later that it bounced, and reclaim all the cash form you.

RTE's Liveline call-in radio show (Ireland) had a show about it today.
http://www.rte.ie/radio1/liveline/

You can download it here too.