DO NOT REPLY TO THE EMAIL

There’s another scammer lurking about that I reported on a couple of days ago. Some of you may have received an email from this person interesting in finding more info about your listings. I spent a bit of time online to ‘figure-out’ the end-game for this type of scam.

Well, this scam is known as the Advance Cheque Fraud Scam, and here’s how it is supposed to play-out:

🚨 How the Scam Works

1. Too Eager Buyer: The scammer expresses interest in your item and agrees to buy it without asking any real questions or negotiating—red flag #1.

2. Payment by Cheque: They insist on sending a cheque, which is a big red flag nowadays, especially when they won’t use standard, secure online methods.

3. “Overpayment” Twist (often follows next): Once you provide your mailing address, they send a fraudulent or stolen cheque, often for more than the agreed price. Then:

   • They make up an excuse: “The secretary made a mistake,” or “I added funds to cover shipping/pickup fees.”

   • They ask you to refund the difference via wire transfer, e-transfer, or other irreversible means.

4. The Bank Bounce: The check initially clears (banks often give provisional credit), but days or weeks later it bounces as fraudulent and you’re on the hook for the full amount.

🧠 Key Warning Signs 

• Vague language: “The product I am buying from you” (doesn’t even say what it is).

• Poor grammar and formatting.

• Unusual payment method (cheque by mail).

• No interest in actually seeing the item.

• Third-party “secretary” involved—classic distancing tactic.

• Promise to “arrange pickup after payment clears”—but the whole goal is to get you to cash a fake check and possibly refund part of it.

Sample Email Received.

From: geoff fairburn <geofffairburn719@gmail.com>
Date: April 17, 2025 at 03:33:22 CDT
To:
Subject: Thanks

Thanks for the quick response about the product I am buying from you,anyway the price is OK by me but I would like you to know that payment will be made by Check.. If this mode of payment is OK by you. Kindly send your information which you will like to receive the payment from the postman, so that
i can instruct my secretary to issued it immediately

Name to be on  Check  …
Address where  Check  ….will be received by you:…….
Phone Numbers such as Mobile,Landline and Office number:….

Never mind about the pick up, it will be after you must have cleared the payment from your Bank Account. Await your Quick Response so that i can arrange for the payment immediately.

Thanks and Get back

DO NOT REPLY TO THE EMAIL