Scam Artists
ALERT: There's a fraud going around out there. A friend of mine almost got caught with it. I'll share in hopes no one else does this.
She's a piano teacher, but it could apply to anyone who offers services, goods etc.
She was contacted by someone out of Alaska responding to her ad. They said their son was coming to her area and needed private lessons 5 days a week, for a minimum of 2 hours a day. They would be sending her a cashier's check to cover 3 months in advance. She was excited and they set up schedules, etc. She waited and finally the cashier's check came. She put it in the bank and waited for the student, who was due soon. However, the check was not real. The bank caught it and immediately notified her. They told her that the way the scam works, the guy would ask for a refund for some reason. Of course it's hard to refund what doesn't clear to begin with and she would have been out that substantial amount of money.
So, everyone, please beware, especially at this time of year. We tend to think that the holidays bring out only the best in people. Please remember. that this is prime time for the scam artists too. Take care, especially when dealing online. And never refund money until the check clears. :)
She's a piano teacher, but it could apply to anyone who offers services, goods etc.
She was contacted by someone out of Alaska responding to her ad. They said their son was coming to her area and needed private lessons 5 days a week, for a minimum of 2 hours a day. They would be sending her a cashier's check to cover 3 months in advance. She was excited and they set up schedules, etc. She waited and finally the cashier's check came. She put it in the bank and waited for the student, who was due soon. However, the check was not real. The bank caught it and immediately notified her. They told her that the way the scam works, the guy would ask for a refund for some reason. Of course it's hard to refund what doesn't clear to begin with and she would have been out that substantial amount of money.
So, everyone, please beware, especially at this time of year. We tend to think that the holidays bring out only the best in people. Please remember. that this is prime time for the scam artists too. Take care, especially when dealing online. And never refund money until the check clears. :)