Online Classified Buying Fraud Schemes

Please be aware of the following fraud scheme:

Individuals in Nigeria and other countries around the world will often respond to ads placed on various classified web sites on the Internet about the sale of homes or other large ticket items. (The individuals will often claim they are from Scotland or another country outside the U.S.). Typically they agree to purchase a vehicle and will then forward a counterfeit cashiers check to the victim in amounts exceeding the agreed upon purchase price. The unwitting victim contacts the buyer concerning the overpayment.

The victim is usually instructed to wire funds via Western Union to Nigeria or another country. Funds are usually wired before the counterfeit cashiers check is returned to the bank where it was deposited. This results in vehicles being shipped without payment and the victim is out additional money spent on the wire. In every instance the bank will pass the loss back to the individual who deposited the counterfeit check.

If you receive a cashiers check, call the bank/group that the check is drawn from and verify that the check is good. The FBI, Secret Service, and other government agencies are well aware of this fraud scheme.

To Report this type of internet fraud, go to the FBI Internet Fraud website.

This fraud scheme should not deter users from using the Internet as a place to sell and buy goods. Users should feel completely safe in placing classified ads, but should use wisdom in offers they receive from interested parties.

And remember, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is!