Checks drawn on US banks may be cancelled up to 5 (FIVE) years after issued.

You could cash or receive the corresponding credit and forget the issue, only to find years after that it was cancelled - and you have to return the money.

Take care,
Luiz

Another downside of this scam is that you become a criminal when you present a counterfeit check to the bank. There have been some people that were arrested for just asking the bank if it was a good check. How do they know you aren't part of the scam? Right, they don't. Even if they hold you accountable for the cash, you have still broken the law by cashing a counterfeit check. Some people have had a similar situation turn into a living nightmare.

Stay away from these offers.

Just got this today...

Dear Owner
I humbly write as directed by my client who is interested in your 2001 Inter 17R,which is at the rate of $10,250 I will like to view its picture and to know your last offer .I shall be paying by forwarding a cheque.Kindly send all your information in details to enable me arrange for the cheque. The shipping will be arrange
within my client and his shipper.I do need your phone #.
Thank you and best regard
jimmy
--
_______________________________________________
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Smells very fishy to me

I'm not replying!

I don't think you become a criminal when you are tricked into depositing a stolen check in your account, but since you entered the chain of payment, you will certainly have to demonstrate the nature of your involvement, which could be a difficult task if you are not properly documented. Can you prove you are inocent showing only emails? (not likely)

Banks are part of the chain of payment and also need to prove that stolen checks were deposited by a customer, etc. The key safety rule here is: "know your counterpart". This means you have to identify him positively and document the transaction. This is advisable for all transactions.

Take care,
Luiz

Luiz,

If only it were that simple. When somebody gives you a counterfeit or stolen certified check for payment, and you accept it, it is yours. When you try to cash it, all of a sudden, you become the bad guy trying to pawn off a bad check. This is a perfect example of an innocent participant taking the heat. That's part of the scam. If you don't think so, check into the website that Rick included in his original post. There are some horror stories that innocent people got themselves into.

I agree with you, know the parties that you're doing business. If not, walk away.

This is the kind of reply I would send, if I dared...

QUOTE

Dear Jimmy,

Thanks for your offer, which is certainly very interesting. Before completing the transaction, we need to settle the following details.

a) A wire transfer directly to my account and originated by the future owner is the only acceptable payment system for this deal.

2) I will need proper identification of the owner to prepare the standard purchase contract we both need for documentation, tax and transport purposes.

3) In case an intermediary is to participate in the deal, I am willing to consider licensed brokers/brokerage companies only. I will also have to check if your choice of broker is acceptable and for this purpose the complete information about the broker - name, ID, registration, license number, etc. - will be necessary.

I trust those simple details will be easy enough to comply with.
Regards,

UNQUOTE

If it is a scheme, there will be no follow up.

Take care,

This is another sample of criminal internet use.
If something like that is received, do not reply.

QUOTE

From: "Musa Bakare"
To: YOU
Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2003 20:20:23 -0700
Subject: hello


FROM: BAR.MUSA BAKARE WILLIAMS COOKEY & CO CHAMBERS. Urgent Assistance. I am Barrister MUSA BAKARE, a solicitor at law. I am the personal attorney to Mr. Douglas Forman a national of your country, who used to work with shell development company in Nigeria. Before his death On the 21st of April 1999 [my client, his wife and their three children were involved in a car accident along sagbama express road in which all occupants of the motor died}. My client {Douglas} deposited as family belongings in a CONSIGNMENT the sum of $6million in a Standard Finance & Securities Company here in Nigeria for himself, with the hope of transferring it to his country as soon as he is on leave. Since his death I have made several enquiries to your embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives this has also proved unsuccessful. I have contacted you to assist in repatriating this money left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the security company where these Consignment (Money) was Deposited. Particularly, the Standard Finance & Securities Company where the deceased Deposited the Consignment valued it at about $6 million dollars has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin within the next ten official working days. Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 3 years now. I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased so that the proceeds of this Consignments (Money) valued at $6 million dollars can be claimed by you and then you and I can share the money in this ratio: 70% to me and 30% to you. Note that all the necessary legal documents that is required to back up the claim are in my possession, and I will make them available to you once you agree to co-operate with me to claim the consignment Finally, this deal does not amount to any breach of law or illegal proceed as the documents will empower you legally as the next of kin to receive the consignment. Further, your honest co-operation is needed to enable us see this dealt through. Send your response to my email: musabaka6@ecplaza.net Best regards, MUSA BAKARE

UNQUOTE

Hi,
I'm a stranger trying to buy parts for my catamaran, It's hard to find this stuff used here in my country, Chile. I've contacted two possible sellers, but it seems that they've got scared after knowing I'm not north american. I think that shipping only after getting the cash (real cash, not a deposit) is safe enough for the seller, isn't it? In one case I included my phone number and offered to call the seller, supposing that this could add a bit of confidece, maybe asking for information is a source of suspicion?
I understand the concerns, and would appreciate any help to be able to access to these opportunities, after all, my act of confidence is much bigger if I'm willing to send money before getting anything.

That hurts

Has anyone ever looked into using paypal as a option for moving money around? i've used it a few times for small items (from auctions etc and had someone actually pay me for some cd's through that as well). IT works fairly good, and the money can be transferred to your bank account or credit card. Might be a good way of avoiding 'bad cheques'

paul