Okay this is what happened. I posted my guitar on yahoo classifieds i got an offer, for $1,100 and i went for it. I talked to the person and they were going to send a check to me and then they would contact the carrier of the guitar to pick it up and i give them the extra cash that i got,so the check was going to be more than 1,100. I got the check today for $5,000. i'm an eighteen year old without a bank account. Is this legit? how can i cash the check? sorry for the ignorance, i just havent had experience with this, specially because the quantity of the check. thank you.
2007-07-25 07:26:42 · 8 answers · asked by alberto 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Call the FBI. You've been scammed. Do not deposit the check or you'll be liable for all the bounced check fees, etc. But you're safe as you dont have a bank acct. anyway. Don't send the guitar. Keep everything for the FBI, as this is a federal crime.
2007-07-25 07:35:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Scam Alert.
Do not cash the check. It is bogus.
If you have cashed the check, do not give the money to anyone. Take it back to the bank and explain the situation.
If the person who bought the guitar complains then tell them that the bank is having problems with the check (which they will).
The scammer is taking advantage of the law that requires banks to make deposited money available to the customer within a certain number of days. Some checks take longer than that to clear. The bank will give you the money, and a few days later the check will bounce (or be a fraud or stolen to begin with), and the bank will want the money back from you. The bank will not care one bit that you sent the money to someone else. You are the person on the hook for it.
Now, I am not sure how this would work with you not having a bank account but I am sure there is a way. Next time you do business like this, have the people pay only the amount of the sale and not a penny more, and have a waiting period for the check to clear the bank. You may also want to consider a pay service like PayPal.
Also, hold on to the guitar.
2007-07-25 16:37:20 · answer #2 · answered by A.Mercer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope that you still have your guitar. This is definitely a scam. The person who "purchased!!" your guitar for 1,100.00 wants you to cash their cheque or money order and then send them the balance. What will happen is the cheque you received will bounce and you are now out 3,900.00 as well as your guitar. Please spend a few minutes with your friendly police department and let them know what is happening. This sceme is not new, but as you are only 18 you may not have heard about it. The police may not be able to help much but they can ease your mind by letting you know that you did the right thing.
This person is probably from out of country, possibly overseas, etc. Do not cash the cheque.
You are a wise young man to question this.
Good luck.
ps: Keep trying to sell your guitar though, if that is what you really want to do. I don't know where you live so I am not sure if you live in or near a large city or not. A larger city might make it easier to sell but also you can make some good deals in smaller areas as well.
2007-07-25 14:56:34 · answer #3 · answered by Peter M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hell no, that's a classic rip-off scheme. That check will bounce, and you'll be out the guitar AND the $3900.00.
I'd send the check back, and tell them that you won't accept anything other than a certified bank check or money order, for the exact amount. I'm betting that you'll never hear from them again. If you're feeling especially vindictive over them trying to play you, you could even report them to the police, for potential fraud.
2007-07-25 14:39:51 · answer #4 · answered by SewConnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a scam. Never Ever Ever cash any checks like this. Send the check back. Let them know you can only cash checks for the amount that the guitar is for and that you will not be sending them any money.
If their bank is also a bank in your area you could try to cash it at their bank that way at least you will know if they even have the cash in their account. But I am guessing from the sound of it you won't be finding their bank anywhere close.
2007-07-25 14:30:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Take the check to the bank and let them legitimize it. It is probably real, It is best not to send the guitar until you know for certain that the money is there. Being 18, you could have sent it already.
You need a savings account, so that will not be a problem for you.
2007-07-25 14:36:39 · answer #6 · answered by Richard S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The answerer above who said call the FBI was right on the money. Do Not Pass Go. Do Not Collect $200. Pick up the phone and call the FBI!
2007-07-27 10:14:34 · answer #7 · answered by seamac56 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not give them the guitar!! They are going to take the guitar and then they will want you to send them the extra $3900. The check will not cash because it is not real.
2007-07-25 14:31:44 · answer #8 · answered by DrewS 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋