The Calvert Investigative Team has recently been receiving complaints in regards to citizens selling items via the internet and in local newspapers. We have been advised that the sellers have received telephone calls from TTY operators as well as e-mails stating that an individual is interested in buying their item. The buyer states that they will be sending a check to the seller in an amount greatly over the amount of the requested price.
We have been contacted by citizens selling cars, pianos, couches and leather jackets. The buyers don’t wait for the seller to accept the deal; they automatically send the check, which is counterfeit. The scam lays in the fact that the seller cashes the check and quickly sends the money back in the form of a money wire or money gram. It usually takes three days for the banks to determine the check is counterfeit, by then the victim is out the money.
This scam is being conducted from du Benin, Africa and the United Kingdom. It is considered a “Phishing Scam”. The suspects send thousands of letters out hoping to catch a few people who are willing to cash their counterfeit checks. A few safety tips…Always make sure you are dealing with the same person who is sending the check, try and verify their address, never send the money back until the check clears. Remember if it is too good to be true it probably is.
Anyone with information relating to these crimes please contact The Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack – (410) 535-1400, The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office – (410) 535-2800
For Possible Reward call Crime Solvers – (410) 535-2880 (Anonymous calls).