Originally Posted by Wolfy

If I can't get the shithead busted, I'd rather use the check and emails as proof and a learning tool for friends and family.

If you don't know the scam, here's how it works:

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1. You list something on CL
2. Someone says "I like it, do you still have it?"
3. you respond
4. They say "Great! I'll pay for shipping, please send me the name and address I should send the check to. My movers will pick it up once you cash the check."
5. you give them the address, check is sent.
6. They email again: "Oh no! My secretary made the check out to the wrong amount i.e. $2500 instead of $500. I'll need you to Western Union the balance back immediately! I'll pay western union fees.'
7. You are dumb, say yes. Wire the "balance". Deposit the check.
8. Nobody shows up to get the item, check bounces, you're screwed.

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I just received the check yesterday via UPS.

This morning I received the email with Western Union info.

What should I do? Is there any way I can get this asshole picked up at the Western Union, or will that be an exercise in futility and I'll just lose my souvenir (the check)?

Originally Posted by Profits of Doom

The person that picks the Western Union up in NY is probably not the same person that is initiating the scam, and the original scammer is most likely a Nigerian. What the Nigerians do is spam job message boards with fake job offers for "collecting payments" for some type of business. When the person responds the Nigerian tells them the job is to pick up payments at Western Unions and Moneygrams and forward them to Nigeria, and they get to keep 10%. That puts a buffer between the Nigerian and the crime, and doesn't arouse the sellers suspicions because he thinks he is dealing with someone in the US.

When the shit hits the fan the person that picked up the Western Union has to do the explaining, and the Nigerian not only keeps the money but possibly the product being sold, too...