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A new ploy for fraud?

I recently got an inquiry on one of my ads (not here on Audiogon but on another site) for a pair of interconnects. After a few emails back and forth, we agreed on the price of $90. The prospective buyer then said he is in England and would like to propose an (unusual!) payment method. He said someone in the states owes him $3000, so he will ask this guy to send me a check for $3000, I am to cash the check and then WIRE him the difference ($2910 in this case). Of course I said thanks but I deal in cash. I never heard from him again. Has anyone experienced this?
gingko
markxiii
109 posts
 
Someone tried to scam me the same way a few days back, also on another audio website. Most likely the same guy - says he's from England, but he's really from Nigeria. He and his group have tried (in some cases successfully) to scam people on other websites (collectibles, cars). They'll send you a fake bank check and hope you wire them the money before you're bank realizes the check was bogus.
Beware!
jagauar18458345
1 posts
 
Americans have become easy prey, at least the unsuspecting one to these forms of scam. For that reason, I seldom sell anything worldwide. Remember the adage"if it sounds too good to be true, then probably it is"
stereomaniac
75 posts
 
Am I stupid or what? Why are we talking about $3000 for a $90 pair of interconnects? If the guy is owed $3000, that's his problem! Tell him you were born at night...just not last night, and walk away!
johnhifi
5 posts
 
Hi , here is a 2 emails someone sent me this morning. I was a little scepticle when I received them. Now I know I'm not doing this deal. They are as follows:

hi,my name is phillipe.i`m from the netherlands.i`m based in the united arab emirates.i`m interested in buying the ampilfier for the stated price.get in touch.thanks and God bless
The next read:
johnhansman ,



i am based in united arab emirates but presently on a business trip to africa,however i intend to pay with a cashiers check through my colleague in US that is owing me $6,000,i
will instruct my colleague to send the check to you,when the check
clears ,you deduct the cost of the amplifier and send what ever balance to
me.i have already made shipping arrangements,when the check has been
cashed,i will inform my shipping agent to contact for the pick up of
the amplifier ,if you are willing to assist with this transaction,then
provide me with the name and address where you want the check
sent.so that the check will be sent immediately,as i will like to
have this amplifier pretty soon.

thanks once again.

philipe.

His email is: [email protected]

Buyer Beware



gs5556
1,209 posts
 
If this gentleman can write you a check drawn on a US bank, then that check is backed up by an account and routing number. Which means he can directly wire-transfer funds to his cohort in England. Or HE could cash his own check and wire away to England. Wise move to back away. It's funny how some people think how stupid we are... it's sad that some also fall for it by sheer greed or misplaced good will.
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