Help, I was a potential scam victim

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Hello I'm New here! Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 10

Hi folks,

I realize there is another site for victims. I am not one, but I was possibly close to it.

I was selling a claymore sword on Facebook Marketplace for $150. Someone named "Dustin White" wrote me back with his interest, and I provided basic shipping information- I did NOT provide sensible account information (like the routing number).

I did deposit the check, however I became aware the next day that yep, I was in the process of being scammed. So, thankfully because the check was purportedly drawn from Canada, there was a nine day hold. The bank withdrew the check.

Is my bank account in any sort of threat? Have scammers found a way to get your sensible bank information by just you depositing a scam check?

Thanks. By the way, I will share my scambaiting response later. Smile

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 10

The check for for $3500. First sign I should have known it was a fraud. Unfortunately, my senses weren't with me for a while, as I thought surely it must cost a lot to ship a huge sword, cover the cost of transborder shipping, and insurance on the sword.

But, then he said take out an amount for yourself and ship the rest back to me through............Western Union

Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 5:16 pm

Welcome Archbaiter,

I think you're probably fine. As far as I know, there is no way they can compromise your account by having you deposit a check. If the check is bad, they'll never see it again.

I doubt very much they were interested in getting your sword. Usually, the check is for more than you were asking and they want you to wire the difference back to them, or on to their "shipping company" or some other such nonsense. They may also decide to cancel the purchase after you have deposited the check and ask you to Western Union the money back to them.

Regarding your bank, they won't be happy that the check you deposited is fake, but if you let them know what happened they will probably be reasonable. If it happens too many times, your account will probably be frozen and you will be held liable for the money if the funds in your account will not cover the reversal.

Edit: you were making your second post as I was typing. Yes, 100% scam. I'm glad you spotted it.

Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 5:17 pm

That is the typical fake cheque scam. As you said, they send a cheque for more than the required amount and ask you to Western Union the difference.

Normally the fakes are of high enough quality that they will initially clear your bank and make the funds available to you. Unfortunately a few weeks later, it would have come back and you would have been left holding the bag.

Your account shouldn't be at risk, as long as you didn't provide any account details to the scammer.

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 10

I thought that was the case. Thanks fellas.

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