Wow, I must be pretty damn lucky, that, or people are stupid...

Weird request. Take it or not?

A few weeks ago, I got a email from a guy down in Florida who wanted 4 DS's. I honestly don't know how he got my email or knew I had a DS, but I told him I would send him the DS's if he could pay for them and also pay me for getting the DS's. I recomended $900, and he accepted. Gave him my address, and he said a check would be down within a few weeks.

I know this sounds like a weird story so far, but it gets even stranger. At first, I thought this was a joke, or a scam. However, a few days ago, I got a check in the mail for $950.00 and a piece of paper with his address on it.

Basically, if the check doesn't bounce, that means I have about $300 to spend on whatever once I spend the money on the DS's.

 

I don't get it -- don't they sell DS' in Florida?

Sounds pretty strange. You should at least inquire as to how he obtained your e-mail, and perhaps if he has any other silly friends

 

did they go to nigeria?

 

DO NOT DO NOT DO THIS.... checks can bounce up to 6months after (even after that). I would not touch this with my neighbours barge pole... he could of always got them from ebay/ A SHOP? Dont they have them in florida? On the internet?

 

It does sound strange. Based on what he said, the DS' in his area are all sold out. I'll try to ask him on how he got it. Then again, my email is fairly common. I do have DS guides on Gamefaqs, and have various other forum accounts online. I'll ask him why he needs it.

Also, paulo, can you explain the whole "checks can bounce 6 months after" thing? I never heard that before...

 

At least here in the uk cheques arent really cashed in for a very long time. While the money is in your account, you think you have it later on they can find the cash wasnt meant to be cleared for one reason or another (stolen money, fake account bla bla) then they can take it back from you. Just like paypal...

Man this is a huge scam... look on google for fake cheques and stuff... this stuff comes up sooooo much.

 

Ah, the U.K. Well, US checks are a bit faster, and I never had this happen before. The checks real, too. Signed in pen and everything. I'll look up what you said, but I may just try to cash the check and see what happeneds from there.

 

Yeah, it could be another p-p-p-p-p-powerbook incident. In that case, you should trace the email address he originally sent you a message from and see where it actually originates.

You never know, if it does turn out to be a scam you could always tape some oldschool Gameboys together and send them like the p-p-p-powerbook.

 

Yeah, but didn't the p-p-p-p-p-powerbook incident use a fake payment site?

 

Yeah, a fake Escrow service. But there was that other incident involving the "ANUS" laptops that used a stolen bank accoutn and fake cheques.

 

Looked at a few things. The return address that was on the envelope, the check that was used, and the address on the check are all the same, so that doesn't scream scam so far. Most people that try to scam don't leave a return address, or have a different address then the one on the check.

Also, the check has a American bank on it, so it seems fine so far. I'll still wait and see his responce with the DS', though.

 

Why not when you cash it have your bank call that bank to make sure the funds are avalible before cashing.

 

cash the check.. don't deposit in your bank if the bank give you the cash keep you end of the bargin.

G

 

sounds like a bad thing, take precautions.

 

Cash it at 1 of those pawnbrke rplaces, you will lose maybe 10% in their fees but the pay cash immediately and you still get $200 for your troubles. If the check bounces, it's not your problem - he gets 4 DS, you get $200 and the pawnbroker put's it on their insurance

 

Make sure you use fake name and address if you fill out any papers and get a haircut and GOOD tan afterwards to conceal identity.

 

Well then...

Alright first off if you deposit or cash at your own bank you'll still be liable if it's bad.
The pawn broker thing will work but I doubt they'll let you cash a $950 out of state check.
Really the best thing to do is take it to your bank and see if there's any way to validate the funds on the account, you really even could go so far as to tell them that it's from an eBay buyer and you're suspicious about it.
I used to work for Wells Fargo Bank here on the west coast and we'd always try to help when someone thought they were being scammed by an online auction.
~Krelian

 

Yeah, forget the whole pawn-shop thing, those can be shady as hell. Do like Krelian suggested and have your bank work with you on it - especially mention the eBay thing. Inform the guy that you're going this - no offense to him, but as it's such a large amount, you're just taking reasonable precautions. If he objects it could mean something's up.

And while it's definately in your favor to be extra cautious, don't entirely discard the notion that you're just dealing with a fairly affluent person who REALLY needs a DS... Unlikely, yes, but possible.:smt043

 

Can't banks check pretty much instantly if there's money in the account? Those little numbers on the barcode on the bottom of the check is they guy's bank account. All they have to do is slide it through a little thing and it comes up if the account has money. There's even some grocery and department stores that do this.

The least you should do is find out how this guy heard of you, like which forum it was or whatever. Find out if he's got a reputation there for being legit. Tell him it's becasue you want to leave him some good feedback in the forum.

 

Since they passed the check deal months ago (in the US), most checks clear the same day. It could take longer depending on your bank, but mine is the same day for local checks.

- edit

Now that I think of it I'd make sure it was not stolen just to be safe. Yes, even though the checks address and the envelope are the same the account could have be jacked.