New Twist on Counterfeit Cheque Fraud - You've won the lottey!
There is a new twist or variation on the counterfeit cheque scam, originating from Super Natural B.C. and targeting Australians, according to WA Scam Net. Recall that in the counterfeit cheque scam you are "paid" to cash large overseas cheques and remit to the send 90% of value of the cheque, the 10% being your fee. The counterfeit cheque is also altered so that it takes four to six weeks to clear, and then the fraud is discovered. But now the bank looks to you to cover the entire amount of the cheque. And if you think it is clever to spend the entire amount, you may face fraud charges. The scam works well on those who want something for nothing; and they give their credit reputation and hard earned cash to a scammer. In return, they get nothing.
So how have the scammers changed their pitch? According to Department of Consumer and Employment Protection:
"The scammers are not based in Australia. They hark from North America. The Australian Lottery Corporation uses a mailing address in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and provides a North American telephone number.According to the UK Office of Fair Trading, the Australian Lottery Corporation letter states that the recipient has won $750,000 but must first pay for taxes and insurance. Recipients are advised to call an agent for more information.
A $4,880 cheque personally made out to the recipient, and allegedly drawn on a reputable American bank, is also attached to the mailing as part of the alleged winnings to cover the "necessary payments" the consumer needs to make. The cheque is counterfeit but can take up to six weeks to work through the banking system. The consumer could be liable for any funds they spend while waiting for the cheque to clear."
A very shrewd addition to the lottery scam, which is designed to bilk individuals out of their life savings by paying for fees to collect their winnings. The addition of the counterfeit cheque is a nice touch - but limits how long the scammers have to beat the mark as once the cheque bounces the game is over. Perhaps the number they phone is a 900 number?
Technorati Tags: cheque, counterfeit, fraud charges, scammers, australian lottery
