Internet Auction Sites and Criminal Cashback
CRIMINAL CASHBACK
This scam is very typical of the type attempted by fraudsters purporting to be genuine buyers of goods on Internet Auction sites. The buyer attempts to lure the seller into clearing a cheque which is far greater than the value of the goods up for sale. They then request that the excess is sent back to them by electronic / cable transfer the buyer offers "compensation" to the seller for the trouble taken in returning the excess money, usually the cheque sent by the buyer is either stolen or a forgery so the money has not cleared into the sellers bank even though their account details show it has. The money sent back to the buyer has left the sellers account and the seller is then left with either an unauthorised overdraft or their account has been depleted of the excess sum. The example below was sent to us from a member of the North East Fraud Forum.
My sister is currently trying to sell her wedding dress for £450.00 and she thought she had sold it, but when it came to payment she received this email. Thankfully she hasn't parted with any cash, but I was just wondering whether something could be done to stop this email being sent to other people who may not be quite quick thinking and part with their cash.
The reply below was received from the "buyer" and entitled 'Arrangement made for the Payment'
Thanks for the mail,I am sorry for the late response ok,i have a little problem with my computer that is why i cant email you on time. i will have to inform you that i am okay with the price of the Bridal Gown (£450)condtion terms are also okay with me,For the Shippment from your location,i have my SHIPPER as soon as we seal this Transaction from your end.
I have a CLIENT of my that is owning me some Fund in United Kingdom that will issue you the cheque of (£3500) soon as you receive the cheque and when cleared from the bank, you will deduct the cost of the Bridal Gown and the remaining balance will be send to the Shipper through western union money transfer for the pick up from your location.
If this is okay by you, do e-mail me the following detail
FULL NAME ON CHEQUE:
CONTACT ED ADDRESS:
MOBILE&LANDLINE PHONE NUMBER:
Benton Stockham...
NB:- I will wait for the cheque to clear before the pick up. I will compensate you with £50 for you to remove the advert from the site