[Swordmaker]

Don't most people know that the thing to do is to call the bank the check is drawn on and read them the numbers on the bottom? They will check it out for you (though you might have to fax the check to them).

Good idea... except for one little teeny problem. The scammers have thought of this too!

The crooks merely buy ONE legitimate Cashier's Check, make many counterfeit copies with the correct amounts and numbers for use in their scams. Calling the issuing bank with the info from the counterfeit check only confirms that a check with that number for that amount has been issued, not that THIS PARTICULAR check is legitimate.

This has been done with eBay computer sales where innocent sellers received cashier's checks for laptop computers, confirmed the checks with the issuing bank over the phone, deposited the funds and shipped the computer. Weeks later the fraudulent check is bounced back, the computer is long gone... and the criminals have ALSO cashed the legitimate cashier's check and are gone with the wind.

[Swordmaker]

In my previous post I noted that the ebayers were out both the money AND their laptop computers... at least this congressional staffer still has her car!

[general_re]

The crooks merely buy ONE legitimate Cashier's Check, make many counterfeit copies with the correct amounts and numbers for use in their scams. Calling the issuing bank with the info from the counterfeit check only confirms that a check with that number for that amount has been issued, not that THIS PARTICULAR check is legitimate.

There are ways to counter this as well.

[ikka]

Weeks later the fraudulent check is bounced back, the computer is long gone... and the criminals have ALSO cashed the legitimate cashier's check and are gone with the wind.

That really is something I had not thought of.

What would happen if you take the check directly to the issuing bank and have them give you the cash; would you know then?