[TOTV Specialist]

It has been brought to our attention that two scammers registered for user accounts last month, and attempted to contact multiple users selling items on our classifieds page. Fortunately, from our understanding, no one fell for their scam. Both of these accounts, along with any IP addresses associated with the accounts, have been permanently banned.

We want to emphasize our commitment at Talk of The Villages to keep users and sellers safe from any potential scams. We work to only allow Villagers to buy/sell in our classifieds, and also aggressively monitor any suspicious accounts through our new user moderation system. However, once in a while, a scammer will find a way through, and attempt to contact users.

In this particular case, the scammers reached out to sellers saying they are ready to buy the item for more than the asking price, and will pay with a check/cashier’s check. In addition, this particular scammer insists that a driver will come pick up the item once the payment is clear. Always avoid cashier check overs or buyers asking to pay far more than the asking price! As a buyer, avoid ever sending money to a seller before seeing an item – once money is sent, there is no way to know if you will get it back.

If you ever receive a message like this, do not respond/block the user, and instead immediately send a message to someone at Talk of The Villages.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by TOTV Specialist

In this particular case, the scammers reached out to sellers saying they are ready to buy the item for more than the asking price, and will pay with a check/cashier’s check. In addition, this particular scammer insists that a driver will come pick up the item once the payment is clear.

If the buyers waits until the check clears before picking it up, how is this a scam? You get a check, the check clears, and then he gets the item.

[villagetinker]

The check is bogus, and the bank finds out 2 weeks or more after it was deposited, they then get the funds back and you are on the hook. All of these schemes use "checks" that are hard to verify in the normal week or less. Seller beware.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

If the buyers waits until the check clears before picking it up, how is this a scam? You get a check, the check clears, and then he gets the item.

Try it and see how it works for you. A check may later be declared fraudulent, even after clearing, and the bank reaches into your account and takes all the money back. Now you have zero money and no item to sell.

[CarlR33]

Yes, I was one of them and tried to notify TOTV but was not sure how to do that? The “scammer” wanted to buy a $99 item of mine in this manner. They are still sending me emails. I did not loose anything but felt sorry for someone on here that might not be as informed. It’s getting bad out there folks be aware of everything including the air duct cleaners, LOL

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

be aware of everything including the air duct cleaners, LOL

Are you saying that air duct guy's family business, might not really be endanger of closing and he might not really need the help of the community?

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

The check is bogus, and the bank finds out 2 weeks or more after it was deposited, they then get the funds back and you are on the hook. All of these schemes use "checks" that are hard to verify in the normal week or less. Seller beware.

I did some research on this as I thought once a check “clears” you are safe. That is not true.

Can a Check Bounce After It Has Cleared the Bank? | Sapling

Although if you wait until your bank has actually received the funds from the buyer’s bank before allowing the buyer to pick up the item, I think you would be safe.