Gullible suburban mother of four regularly duped in her half-century life. Exploring hoaxes and schemes as the ExSCAMiner, she attempts answering the nagging question: Should I have fallen for that? Got scam tips, email Karin at ScamExaminer@gmail.com.

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Showing entries for Category: Nigerian-scam

Money orders, with or without eBay

1 comment

September 9, 7:40 AM

by Karin Malchow, Scam Examiner

Could eBay's no check or money order payment policy beginning late October 2008 contribute to the demise of the money order? The money order's reputation was once excellent, considered almost as good as cash and certainly better than AP/Paul Sakuma

personal checks, since the purchaser already presented funds for the face value.

When Nigerian scammers altered the face value or produced counterfeit money orders, trust faded. Most money order fraud occurs with overpayment schemes involving wiring excess money before the phony money order bounces. Discovering the fraud can take weeks since redemption is outside the banking system.

Why do people continue to use money orders in an increasingly cashless age? (Only 10% of transactions on eBay are cash, personal check or money order.)

Originally designed for those without checking accounts, buyers sometimes use money orders to protect personal information, mistrusting providing strangers or websites credit card access or account numbers. Others purchase money orders as a form of money management, ensuring only buying when they have available cash.

Money orders remain relatively safe without the overpayment red flag. However, it's best exercising caution accepting them as payment, since scammers adapt and evolve. Many sellers only accept United States Postal Service money orders, which have as many security features as new money: threads, watermarks and special paper stock.

To verify a postal money order, call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822. If you suspect fraud, call the Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (option 4).

Topics: Nigerian scam

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Comments

This space for rent (but maybe not by who you think)

1 comment

July 11, 1:54 PM

With housing market instability, reluctant buyers and strapped homeowners turn to renting. Scammers are waiting for inexperienced landlords and new renters.Scam No. 1: Scammers lift rental listings and photographs off websites, reposting them... Read More
Topics: Nigerian scam , rental property , Craigslist

Take that, Nigerian Scammer!

3 comments

April 30, 6:45 PM

A recently received e-mail from a rental property owner puts a new twist on the Nigerian (or 419) Scam. You know, where a foreign contact stranger desperately needs your help releasing funds from a) an inheritance or b) government contract. Only... Read More
Topics: Con artists , E-mail , fraud , Nigerian scam , scam baiting