Craigslist Scam Bank Check Scam Exposed: How to Protect Yourself

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The Craigslist scam bank check scam is a sneaky trick that's been fooling people for years. It involves a scammer posting a fake ad on Craigslist, usually for a job or a product, and then sending a bank check to the victim as a deposit or payment.

The scammer's goal is to get the victim to cash the check and then use the funds to pay for something else, leaving the victim with a bounced check and a big financial headache. This scam is a classic example of a "advance fee" scam.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, it's essential to know the warning signs. One of the biggest red flags is if the scammer is asking you to cash a check and then send them the funds via a wire transfer or a prepaid debit card. This is a major warning sign that something is off.

The scam involves fake cashier's checks sent to victims through the mail.

The checks are often for amounts much higher than the agreed-upon payment, such as $1,300 or $2,850.

The suspect uses a legitimate company's name, Sachs Marketing Group, as the return address on the package.

The checks are sent in a FedEx envelope or through the USPS "Click-N-Ship" service.

The suspect's goal is to get the victim to deposit the check and then realize it's fake, resulting in financial loss for the victim.

The scam has been reported by at least four victims who were contacted by the company behind this article.

A different take: Bank Check Fraud

If a buyer wants to pay by cashier's check, don't be surprised if they get pushy or back out of the sale - it's probably a sign they're trying to commit check fraud.

The buyer will often say they're in a different area and will send a check, but then ask you to ship the item before you receive payment. Don't fall for it.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Don't send anything before payment is received and cleared. It's better to be safe than sorry.

The scammers will often use a fake cashier's check that looks legitimate but is actually worthless. They'll send it to you in a FedEx envelope with a USPS shipping label that lists their company as the sender.

If you're contacted by a buyer who wants to pay by cashier's check, tell them the item won't be shipped until the payment clears.

For another approach, see: Payment Bank

Safer online shopping is possible using Craigslist as long as you know what to look for.

Trust your instincts, as they can be a powerful tool in avoiding scams. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Keep reading to find out how you can reduce your risks on Craigslist.

Don't give out any codes sent to your phone, especially if it says it's for verifying your identity. This is a tactic used by scammers to gain access to your number and scam others.

Craigslist code scams can have long-term consequences, including potential problems with law enforcement.

Here are some key things to remember:

Escrow scams are a clever trick used by scammers on Craigslist. They claim to use an escrow company to protect both parties, but in reality, they set up fake escrow companies or accounts to steal your money or personal information.

If someone on Craigslist says they only deal with a specific escrow company, it's a red flag. They might send you a direct link to an escrow company, which could be a fake website designed to capture your personal info.

To stay safe, research the proposed escrow company and suggest a different, legitimate one. You can also report the seller to Craigslist if they're linking to fake companies.

Here's a quick check to see if someone is trying to scam you:

Don't give out any verification codes sent to your phone, especially if it's for verifying your identity.

A potential buyer might ask for a code to "confirm your identity", but this is a scam. They're trying to get your code to use your number to scam other people.

If you give out the code, the scammer can use your number to send messages to strangers, friends, and family members, accusing you of trying to scam them. This can have long-term consequences, including problems with law enforcement.

Here are the steps to take if you're asked for a verification code:

Craigslist scams often use fake bank checks to lure victims into sending money.

Be cautious of job postings that require you to pay a fee upfront, as seen in the case of the "Job Offer" scam.

Fake checks can be made to look legitimate, but they often have telltale signs such as being written on a generic check template.

The "Employment Opportunity" scam used a fake check with a generic check template, which should have raised red flags.

Consider reading: Business vs Personal Checks

Always verify a check's authenticity with the bank that issued it before depositing it.

In the "Job Offer" scam, the victim was instructed to deposit the fake check and then send the money to a third party, which is a common tactic used by scammers.

Be wary of requests to send money to a third party, as seen in the "Job Offer" scam.

Scammers may also use fake checks to cover up their own scams, such as the "Employment Opportunity" scam.

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