In this day and age, people do everything online. They communicate, date, and conduct business. But anytime you buy or sell items online, there are always some added risks. Scammers know this trend is only going to grow so they continue to use scams that have worked for them in the past.
Overpayment Scam: Someone responds to your posting or ad, and offers to use a cashier's check, personal check, or corporate check to pay for the item you're selling. The so-called buyer comes up with a reason for writing the check for more than the purchase price. They may claim it is an error or the additional funds are to pay the "movers." They will then ask you to wire back the difference after you deposit the check, or wire the remaining money to the "movers," who are actually just money mules for the scammer. After you deposit the check and wire the funds back to the "buyers," the original check bounces or is recalled due to fraud, and you are left liable for the entire amount. The checks you receive from the scammers are always counterfeit but good enough to fool unsuspecting bank tellers.
This is a very common scam that came from overseas, known as advanced cash or overpayment. If anyone overpays for any items do not forward or return the funds. They are using you to launder stolen funds.
Find more scam prevention tips on our website.
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Contact: Boise Police Media Relations
(208) 570-6180 | BPDMedialine@cityofboise.org
Original source can be found here.
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