The is a place to report on the web.
http://www.ifccfbi.gov
IC3 2004 Internet Fraud - Crime Report
January 1, 2004—December 31, 2004
Counterfeit Check Schemes
A counterfeit or fraudulent cashier’s check or corporate check is utilized to pay for merchandise. Often these checks
are made out for a substantially larger amount than the purchase price. The victims are instructed to deposit the
check and return the overage amount, usually by wire transfer, to a foreign country. Because banks may release
funds from a cashier’s check before the check actually clears, the victim believes the check has cleared and wires the
money as instructed. One popular variation of this scam involves the purchase of automobiles listed for sale in
various Internet classified advertisements. The sellers are contacted about purchasing the autos and shipping them
to a foreign country. The buyer, or person acting on behalf of a buyer, then sends the seller a cashier’s check for an
amount several thousand dollars over the price of the vehicle. The seller is directed to deposit the check and wire
the excess back to the buyer so they can pay the shipping charges. Once the money is sent, the buyer typically
comes up with an excuse for canceling the purchase, and attempts to have the rest of the money returned. Although
the seller does not lose the vehicle, he is typically held responsible by his bank for depositing a counterfeit check.