Scam warning! - Page 1

I put an ad in the Pedigree database classifieds for Showline male puppies. I received an e-mail which at first glance appeared ok. It asked about the health, for more pictures and was the puppy playful. He said he was married with 2 children and had a large fenced yard for the puppy to play in. I sent more pictures and asked for the name, address and phone number of the purchaser so that I could fill out the AKC papers. I got a return e-mail today saying that the money would be sent overnight, a cashier's check which was $1,050 more than the purchase price of the puppy. I should cash it right away and send the extra money to his agent who would arrange for pick-up! Just to let everyone know, they seem to be getting more sophisticated and asking the "right" questions in their first contact. I do have his name but of course he will be someone else tomorrow!

So basically, this is the same old scam, but for a change it's being perpetrated by someone who has a better grasp of English and therefore can write more convincingly?

What happens if you cash (deposit) the cheque..

Right! That is why I wanted to post a warning. At first it seemed like a legitimate contact.

guddu - I understand from other scams that the cashier's check is a fraud and your bank will ask for the funds back after several days. They are counting on you sending them your own personal check or money order before you find out. That is how they make money off of you.

Happened to me too I took the check to the authorities

There is also another scam that I thought had died out but was advised by a fellow rescuer is back and with a vengence. The buyer, was trying to buy dogs to sell to a lab (didnt say it though). Someone contacted me a few days ago about my shelter dog. As soon as I read it, I deleted it. So if you have a dog to place and it's a "Ship to" only better get further details.

Barb

I always ask that they send the "cashier's check" express/overnight and then I do not cash it.  That way the scammer is out the express shipping charges :-)

The part I dont understand is, that cashier's checks are supposed to be secure...otherwise why make a cashier's check ?. What's the difference from a regular check. Theoretically, anyone can go to a bank and cash a cashier's check...without depositing it ?.

You bank will "cash" the cashier check or MO, but the clearance of it may take 2+ weeks.  Or they will make sure that there is weekend in it and you send the dog before you can make it to bank. That is also  done when they PU the pup "in person". They will say:: "my cousin , friend, wife, sister.... will pick the pup."You send the dog or give them the dog and  then bank will call you and want the money back because the the check or MO or Cashier Check is bogus.  Just because the bank take check from your hand and gives you  cash does not mean that you are out of woods. Even if they call issuing bank ,....since there may be several copies of the same check.  One good one rest fake. 


NEVER ACCAPT ANY TYPE OF CHECK, CASHIER CHECK Or MO!!
 Accept: ONLY (!!!!!) Cash or wire transfer or direct CASH deposit ( not check deposit) into your account. 
Do not accept anything else!!!EVER!!!