Scammers on TOTV classifieds

[Melmab]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?

[retiredguy123]

Apparently, there are people who fall for this common scam. But, what I don't understand is, why couldn't your bank scan the check and immediately verify with the issuing bank that the check is bogus? I think local banks are complicit in allowing this scam to succeed. They should be more helpful in preventing their customers from being scammed.

[Stu from NYC]

When we lived in Va we would take the check to our local bank before deposit as we didnt trust some checks we had received

[J1ceasar]

NEVER BOTHER with a mailed check - Its all a scam -- always even if fedexed to you. you'll be on thew hook for $ 10 -20 bucks at least for a returned check fee.

[Gpsma]

Cash is king. Would never sell anything from someone who doesnt live in TV

[retiredguy123]

It is interesting that this scammer sent the check using the USPS. Smart scammers know that you should never do that because, if you are caught, it is a Federal mail fraud crime. When scamming, always use a private carrier, like FedEx. You will also have a better chance of having it delivered.

[MandoMan]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?

This sort of scam should lead to a hefty prison term (actually, I’d prefer capital punishment as a punishment for this). You know how in Florida there’s an extra charge if you assault someone over 65? The law should include an extra charge for ANY crime against people over 65.

[retiredguy123]

This sort of scam should lead to a hefty prison term (actually, I’d prefer capital punishment as a punishment for this). You know how in Florida there’s an extra charge if you assault someone over 65? The law should include an extra charge for ANY crime against people over 65.
I agree with the helty prison term. But, I think that people under 35 are much more likely to fall for the scam than people over 65. Also, the younger people are more likely to be financially harmed by it.

[Stu from NYC]

As John Maynard Keynes used to say "There aint no free lunch".

If people have no reason to send you money there is usually a catch.

[vintageogauge]

Why not just have the police or federal marshall there when it is picked up by the " pickup people", that would be a nice surprise.

[HIgolfers]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?

Haven’t tried to sell on TOTV but had this same problem many times selling stuff on Facebook Marketplace When we lived elsewhere. Switched to Craigslist and no problems.

[EdFNJ]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem? I often get that but I make them send me the check then tear it up just to make them spend money. Had a guy offer me almost double my asking price for a 2009 Chevy Malibu on Craigs List before we moved down here. It was for his "brother in South America" somewhere. Must have cost him $30 to overnight the check. I love screwing with scammers even on spam cell phone calls. My wife hates when I do that.

[Moderator]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?

When this happens, please send us a PM or report the buyer and we will take swift action to ban the member who posed as a buyer. Similarly, if someone posts an ad that is an obvious scam, please let us know and we will remove the ad and ban the seller.

We try to make the classifieds as safe as possible, but, outsiders/scammers can slip in. Thanks for the heads up.

Moderator

[Scorpyo]

I’ve sold stuff on TOTV and never experienced a scam. Some folks that didn’t show but no big deal. However Craigslist is another story for me. Whenever I listed something on Craigslist I would joke with my wife, I asked how “long do you think it will be before the first scam”? It’s usually within the first half hour. Sometimes 10 minutes. I think they have computer systems in Nigeria searching for new listings. They never mention the actual item for sale. For me it’s amusing to see the absolutely stupid responses.

[noslices1]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?

Tell them they will have to wait 60 days for the check to clear before you part with any cash and there is a $1000.00 fee for doing that service.

[camaguey48]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?
That's been going on for a very long time, and folks keep falling for this scam. They offer double the asking price. Doesn't that raise the antennas? They prey on your greed and gullibility to rip you off. It's still working. I reply that cash is king and only king. They stop.

[camaguey48]

Cash is king. Would never sell anything from someone who doesnt live in TV
Cash is king and only king. They can come from Timbuktu for all I care. Just bring the Benjamins.

[camaguey48]

Tell them they will have to wait 60 days for the check to clear before you part with any cash and there is a $1000.00 fee for doing that service.
That's good.

[camaguey48]

As John Maynard Keynes used to say "There aint no free lunch".

If people have no reason to send you money there is usually a catch.
Also "if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is" Just bring the Benjamins, the Grants, the Washington's and the Lincolns.

[banjobob]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?
That has happened to me and others that list for sale pricey things , you know it is BS .

[La lamy]

It is interesting that this scammer sent the check using the USPS. Smart scammers know that you should never do that because, if you are caught, it is a Federal mail fraud crime. When scamming, always use a private carrier, like FedEx. You will also have a better chance of having it delivered.

Wow you sure know a lot about how to get away with a scam! HAHA

[Dilligas]

Tell them they will have to wait 60 days for the check to clear before you part with any cash and there is a $1000.00 fee for doing that service.
They won’t care, the check is bogus anyway.

[FredJacobs]

Apparently, there are people who fall for this common scam. But, what I don't understand is, why couldn't your bank scan the check and immediately verify with the issuing bank that the check is bogus? I think local banks are complicit in allowing this scam to succeed. They should be more helpful in preventing their customers from being scammed.
This is a scam that Craig's List warns about. The scam doesn't work as well as it used to because banks clear checks quicker than they before. The scam works by telling you that they will have someone pick-up the items in a few days. You are supposed to deposit the check and withdraw what is needed to refund the difference. The merchandise is picked up, you refund the difference and then bank notifies you that the check bounced.

There are two clues that it is a scam.

One, although you listed the item locally, the response comes from way out of town. I listed furniture for sale when I lived in Baton Rouge and the response came from New York City - a fictitious person at the United Nations.

Two, they are ready to purchase without inspecting the items. As I said, I listed furniture and they were sending a truck to for pick up.

[tsmall22204]

Actually, they do. You would be surprised at how many people fall for that. It has been around for years because it works sadly to say.

[Jane L]

I unfortunately have had problems with scammers on Craigslist. Beware.

[retiredguy123]

Tell them they will have to wait 60 days for the check to clear before you part with any cash and there is a $1000.00 fee for doing that service.
Why 60 days? How do you even know when the check has "cleared"? Apparently, the bank can charge you for a bogus check at any time. I don't know if there is a time limit on the bank. You present the check to the bank and they give you the money. A logical person could wrongly assume that the check has already cleared. That's why I think the banks are complicit in this scam.

[Byte1]

Advertised on Florida 4Sale and received an email from a "nice old lady" in phoenix. She said she was sending a certified check from a well known bank for a bit more since I was asking "cash only." I replied that I would only take cash, but she said she already sent the check. I knew it to be a scam but didn't say anything. It was over night delivery on Sat, FedEx. I opened it and called the bank and they immediately told me it was a fake, a scam. I knew it but wanted the verification. I went on line and reported it to the Feds. Can't remember the web address now, but it was an on line form. Then I sent an email to the "nice old lady" and asked her if she would try to get off a quick email when the Feds knocked on her door. I laughed at what I knew would be the reaction, and laughed even more knowing how much FedEx over night Sat delivery probably cost "her."

Years ago, when telephone soliciting used to be a real person and not a recording, they always seemed to call at dinner time. Pain in the posterior, for sure. I liked messing with them, though. Some times I would ask them if they would give me their call back number so that I could call them when they were eating dinner with their family. Some times I would ask them in a real sleazy voice, "what are you wearing? You sound real sexy." My wife used to die laughing too. Funny how they hang up real fast. Too bad it has been replaced with computerized recordings. Now, it's irritating even if you don't answer the phone. Some of the calls get filtered as spam, some don't.

We will always suffer with scammers until or unless they institute harsh penalties.

[DianaS]

This happened to me a couple of years ago with an item on Craig’s List. I took the “certified” check to Citizens and they called the bank in Texas to verify it was indeed bogus.

[retiredguy123]

Advertised on Florida 4Sale and received an email from a "nice old lady" in phoenix. She said she was sending a certified check from a well known bank for a bit more since I was asking "cash only." I replied that I would only take cash, but she said she already sent the check. I knew it to be a scam but didn't say anything. It was over night delivery on Sat, FedEx. I opened it and called the bank and they immediately told me it was a fake, a scam. I knew it but wanted the verification. I went on line and reported it to the Feds. Can't remember the web address now, but it was an on line form. Then I sent an email to the "nice old lady" and asked her if she would try to get off a quick email when the Feds knocked on her door. I laughed at what I knew would be the reaction, and laughed even more knowing how much FedEx over night Sat delivery probably cost "her."

Years ago, when telephone soliciting used to be a real person and not a recording, they always seemed to call at dinner time. Pain in the posterior, for sure. I liked messing with them, though. Some times I would ask them if they would give me their call back number so that I could call them when they were eating dinner with their family. Some times I would ask them in a real sleazy voice, "what are you wearing? You sound real sexy." My wife used to die laughing too. Funny how they hang up real fast. Too bad it has been replaced with computerized recordings. Now, it's irritating even if you don't answer the phone. Some of the calls get filtered as spam, some don't.

We will always suffer with scammers until or unless they institute harsh penalties.
Why do little old ladies still write paper checks at the grocery store? Are they running the same scam, or just trying to hold up the line?

[Sskip]

Yes, I did. I took the check to the bank it was apparently from. They agreed it was fraudulent, took a picture of it so the company on it would be notified and be aware. There were 2 men who seemed to be "team tagging" me and they became quite adamant that I cash it! I blocked there calls/texts and learned a valuable lesson.

[superzcomputerz]

This scam has been around for quite a while, "cash and carry only!"

[Guitarman1951]

Oldest scam in the book. I guess some people still fall for it. I've encountered it over and over again as I buy and sell musical equipment. I've stopped using the service and Craigs list as this kind if thing is prolific.

[Astron]

One of many reasons the we only accept cash when selling privately. People have been very understanding and I have had few if any complaints about this policy.

[Cpusch53]

My ads say cash on , pick up in person. I have had this before but now they must show with cash for pickup.

[Debbraham]

Never accept a check as payment! Never works...I take Venmo or do PayPal if people are not local.

[Rellen]

Yes I had the same yesterday for my article for sale, told them cash only and he said he doesn’t do it that way. I smelled a scam right off the bat. His name was William.

[szym463]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?me
Tried selling a motorcycle same thing. Notified TOTV, I think a good warning on their part might be helpful. My bank stated it could take a long time if it is a overseas account. SELLERS BEWARE.

[Hospes444]

Should be reported to the FBI

[Scorpyo]

Should be reported to the FBI
Can’t. I heard they’re being defunded.

[Wildwilly]

I acted like I fell for it, told him to send the check, they had to pay the overnight express fee 15 or 20 bucks then I tore it, up took a picture of it, then texted it back to him and said there you go have a good day.

[E Cascade]

I had similar happen....... no such bank, or no such routing numbers to identify the bank, Mine came supposedly thru Morgan Stanley. My branch of M-S said no such branch. If I had tried to deposit it, it would have bounced and they would possibly now have all my bank info on the back of their check to do further damage in the future. Just put it in a corner for further proof if ever need it in the future to hold against them, if ever get an identity theft. Best to change your cc numbers once a year too to keep that all safe.

[E Cascade]

Even Venmo and Paypal are not secure. Banks are now developing a system in which your bank withdraws from your acct and puts it into their pot and then withdraws from there and sends the money to another bank's pot. That bank then takes the money from their pot and transfers it to their customer's acct. That way only your own bank knows where it has come from. It's another lock and key in the system.

[mady101]

Apparently, there are people who fall for this common scam. But, what I don't understand is, why couldn't your bank scan the check and immediately verify with the issuing bank that the check is bogus? I think local banks are complicit in allowing this scam to succeed. They should be more helpful in preventing their customers from being scammed.

The scam includes you sending them a money order that covers the cost of the item you are selling, plus an amount they say you are to pay the movers picking up the item, plus a BONUS to you for the inconvenience. Your bank DOES CHECK to see that there are funds to cover the amount of the cashiers check! This is bow the scam works: The account number on their cashiers check is CORRECT, but they have changed the name of the account owner, so the check bounces.

[retiredguy123]

Even Venmo and Paypal are not secure. Banks are now developing a system in which your bank withdraws from your acct and puts it into their pot and then withdraws from there and sends the money to another bank's pot. That bank then takes the money from their pot and transfers it to their customer's acct. That way only your own bank knows where it has come from. It's another lock and key in the system.
That is really not any different from the way banks have been doing it for many years. Your bank is not going to cash a $5,000 check unless you already have enough funds in your account to cover the check, or they can verify that the check is bona fide. Then, if the check bounces, your bank will take the money out of your account, and also charge you a fee for giving them a bad check.

[retiredguy123]

The scam includes you sending them a money order that covers the cost of the item you are selling, plus an amount they say you are to pay the movers picking up the item, plus a BONUS to you for the inconvenience. Your bank DOES CHECK to see that there are funds to cover the amount of the cashiers check! This is bow the scam works: The account number on their cashiers check is CORRECT, but they have changed the name of the account owner, so the check bounces.
Doesn't sound right. When a bank issues a cashiers check, they verify that the account has the funds, and they place a hold on that money earmarked for that account and account number. Even if the name is changed on the account, the check should still be good. And, I don't think you can even change the name on a bank account. They would close out the account and open a new account with a different account number. The scam is based on them sending you a counterfeit cashiers check.

[mady101]

Why not just have the police or federal marshall there when it is picked up by the " pickup people", that would be a nice surprise.

The pick-up people are never going to come!

[mady101]

Doesn't sound right. When a bank issues a cashiers check, they verify that the account has the funds, and they place a hold on that money earmarked for that account and account number. Even if the name is changed on the account, the check should still be good. And, I don't think you can even change the name on a bank account. They would close out the account and open a new account with a different account number. The scam is based on them sending you a counterfeit cashiers check.

My bank told me that they do check to see if there is money in the account to cover the cashiers check and it cleared. Or maybe they were not concerned as there was enough money in my account to cover a bounced check!

[retiredguy123]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?
Just to clarify, the check photo is not a certified or cashiers check. It appears to be a personal check, and the check number in the top right corner does not match the check number at the bottom. A true, bona fide cashiers or certified check will not bounce because it is guaranteed by the issuing bank.

[jedalton]

This is the 3rd time someone’s tried to scam me. I’ve listed an item for sale at$1000, they send me a certified check for 5 times that amount and then want me to give the remainder to the ‘pickup’ people. Do they think I’m an idiot! Anyone else had this problem?
old time scam

[retiredguy123]

My bank told me that they do check to see if there is money in the account to cover the cashiers check and it cleared. Or maybe they were not concerned as there was enough money in my account to cover a bounced check!
Your second sentence is likely what happened. Genuine cashiers checks are prepared and guaranteed by the bank that issues them. They don't really have an account number because the funds are already being held by the issuing bank, not in a personal account. It wouldn't do any good to verify funds in a personal account because the account holder can remove the money anytime. Scammers make counterfeit cashiers checks, and I believe that banks should be able to verify a bogus check, but I guess they just don't care.

[Moderator]

Spammer has been removed from TOTV.

Moderator