by Alex Lloyd Gross
A resident of Lower Makefield Township who attempted to sell a vehicle online became a victim of one of the largest and most successful scams going on .
The victim agreed to sell the vehicle to an individual who claimed to be out of the country and needed the vehicle shipped. The suspect sent a cashier’s check for $14,700, which the victim deposited into their bank account. The victim was then instructed to send a money order for $4,200 to an address in Alabama. After discovering the initial check was fraudulent, the victim attempted to retrieve the money order. The investigation is ongoing.
Another variation of the scam is to sell an item, say for $2500.00. The scammer sends a “Cashiers Check” or other official looking document for over the selling price. They then contact the seller and told them an error had been made. They ask them to return the extra money ASAP. Chances are the victim already shipped the the item.
The victim thinks the cashiers check already cleared the bank and are too happy to refund the “extra”, after all they are honest. About two or three weeks later, they find the “Cashiers Check” was fake and not valid. The scammer does not respond and the person getting scammed is out the item, cash and of course bank fees.
Police advise you to never accept money for more than the asking price. No matter how much you are pressured. Even it it means losing the sale, walk away.