I can't believe these scammers are still using that tired
old format...must still work for them I guess. There are some
awfully good fake cashier's checks and money orders
(usually from a real credit union) coming out of Eastern
Europe and Romania these days.
Never confirm a draft (cashiers check, MO, whatever) by calling the number
listed on the check, it's a boiler room op. Look up the
real phone number of the credit union or financial institution
on the Net and ask to speak to the fraud control people.
DO forward his emails with an explanation
to
abuse@googlemail.com. One less free account
he can't use. I know, a drop in the bucket.
A general warning about checks of all kinds:Please be aware that there is big difference between a check
being
cleared and a check being
paid. Just because
three days later your ATM balance shows that money in your
account, it doesn't mean you're home free. "Cleared" means nothing.
"Paid" means the bank HAS THE MONEY. In effect, when you sign
the back of that check, the banks is giving you an unsecured
signature loan for that amount until that check is actually PAID.
By law the bank has up to a year to come after
you if it is determined that the check is faudulent.
