Cheque overpayment
The scam
Someone responds to your ad or eBay posting with an offer to pay by cheque. At the last minute, the buyer comes up with a reason for writing the cheque for more than the purchase price, and asks you to transfer back the difference after you deposit it.
Usually, the cheque is counterfeit, but it'll be good enough to fool bank staff at first. You transfer back some money to the buyer before the cheque has cleared, but soon your bank contacts you to say the cheque has bounced. There's no way for you to recover the money you've lost.
Protect yourself
- Don't accept a cheque for more than your selling price, no matter how tempting the plea or convincing the story. Ask the buyer to write the cheque for the purchase price.
- If the buyer sends the incorrect amount, return the cheque. Don't send the goods.
- Don't send any goods until a cheque has cleared.
If you think you've been a victim of this scam, call Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 04 05 06.
