topic Re: Probable Scam in Community Chat

Probable Scam

patbz — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:23:37 GMT

My son received a check that looked legit for $1500; $450 for him to keep for being a Whole Foods "Mystery Shopper" and the rest for expenses. He didn't apply for position and the nearest Whole Foods is 3.5 hrs away ( haven't bought a thing from them in 15 years). We think it is a scam ( deposit check, check bounces etc), what do you think/ know?

Re: Probable Scam

Thats Me — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:29:21 GMT

It's a scam. You can google it as I just did and you'll see the info.

Re: Probable Scam

ECBG — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:31:39 GMT

A bank manager can tell you very quickly.

Re: Probable Scam

Kachina624 — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:32:00 GMT

@patbz Call Whole Foods Corporate and ask them. If your son has registered on one of the job search websites, it leaves him vulnerable to all kinds of scams.

Re: Probable Scam

Mz iMac — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:33:29 GMT

@patbz Take the check to your bank & ask the bank manager if it's legit. If so, don't deposit it. Cash it out!

Re: Probable Scam

patbz — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:36:42 GMT

DH read enclosed info packet, they want him to buy $1000 worth of AMEXCO gift cards, open them and e-mail mail the code. Clearly a fraud.

Re: Probable Scam

San Antonio Gal — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:41:56 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
@patbz Take the check to your bank & ask the bank manager if it's legit. If so, don't deposit it. Cash it out!

If you cash out a check that comes back later as a problem, they will pull the money right out of your account. I wouldn't suggest cashing out a check that is questionable @Mz iMac . No one wins.

Re: Probable Scam

KingstonsMom — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:41:58 GMT

When it sounds too good to be true, it always is.

Good move to google and delete.

Re: Probable Scam

KingstonsMom — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:45:51 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
@patbz Take the check to your bank & ask the bank manager if it's legit. If so, don't deposit it. Cash it out!

@Mz iMac

No way!

It takes an out of state check 10 days to clear (in my banks) and in that length of time, the scammers have your money and the bank charges you back for it, until you jump through hoops to prove it was a fraudulent transaction, to get your money back.

Not me!

Re: Probable Scam

Love my grandkids — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:47:03 GMT

@patbz

I've seen cases like this on JJ and The People's Court.

They are ALWAYS FRAUD AND A SCAM. Tell him to take all the materials to the local post office and turn them in to the postmaster in charge.

Re: Probable Scam

jannabelle1 — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:57:44 GMT

Look for the fine print on the back of the check where the endorsement goes. I imagine there are terms that state what an endorsement holds you liable for. When an unsolicited check arrives in the mail, it's pretty clear that it's not just free money!

Re: Probable Scam

Love my grandkids — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 23:31:36 GMT

@jannabelle1 This is a well known fraud. The check is no good.

Re: Probable Scam

Mz iMac — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 00:25:42 GMT

@San Antonio Gal

@KingstonsMom

That is why I stated "if the bank manager says it's legit."

If the OP takes the word of a bank manager & it turns out to be fraud, the bank would be responsible I would think.

I made that statement before the OP fonted about the info her & son found which she did not mention in her original posting.

Now that I know, like others have stated it is a scam.

Re: Probable Scam

jannabelle1 — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 00:45:44 GMT

@Love my grandkids, yes, I know it's a fraud. I was trying to point out that the terms of the transaction (fraud) are usually printed on the back of the check. Knowing what the recipient is getting into if they cash the check should be enough to tell them there's nothing legitimate about it!

Re: Probable Scam

chrystaltree — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 19:21:56 GMT

You THINK it's a scam. LOL. That thing is standing on a table, waving both arms and screaming " I AM A SCAM!" Yeah, it's a scam.

Re: Probable Scam

Sage04 — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 21:21:23 GMT

@patbz wrote:
DH read enclosed info packet, they want him to buy $1000 worth of AMEXCO gift cards, open them and e-mail mail the code. Clearly a fraud.

@patbz it's a SCAM. I was reading along looking to see what they want in return. This has been around for years. Once the person deposits the check, and buys the gift cards, he is responsible for what happens next. Usually it was sending the money through Western Union, but now they are using gift cards.

The check bounces and he has to return the money to the Bank.

Don't know if I can say this but it's called the Nigerian Scam.