Mail Scam??

That is a scam. I got one for $3500 and it was written on a fake check with my mortgage company's name on it. I contacted my mortgage company and was informed that some how somebody or somebodies were able to forge their checks and send them to their customers and to discard the check because it was a forgery and they were aware of the situation. I believe it is a scam.

If you want to be a mystery shopper you can sign up for free. PM me I have several companies you can sign up with if you want to be a mystery shopper, they are the same companies you see other sites or e-mails soliciting you for your money to get the company info. I have several companies, so pm me if you want the info. I'll be glad to give it to you. And yes, mystery shopping is real, it isn't a scam. I've mystery shopped restaurants, apartments, new home builds, movies, etc....the list goes on.

I've been a victim of mail scams as well. They even had an article in my local paper about people sending out checks and asking that you deposit the check or cash it and send them a certain amount back. This has happened to me. I've contacted the companies that the checks were drawn on, as well as contacting the BBB about the letters and checks I received. Any checks that you received, contact your local BBB or contact the company that the check is drawn on and let them know that you received a fraudulent check. People should realize that if they win a sweepstakes or something, that they shouldn't have to send ANY money back to anyone. Just my opinion. :)

Here are some measure being taken in regards to fake checks


We are asking our government to take measures to protect banking customers from this type of unfair and deceptive business practice. The banking system is failing to verify these checks and allowing counterfeit cashier's checks to pass into the system which impedes the national interest of the United States because it finances crime, undermines the integrity of the international financial system, impedes the international fight against corruption and drug trafficking, terrorism and distorts economics. United States banks are frequently used by other countries to receive large funds from unsuspecting Americans because the banks often fail to screen, monitor and check the transactions for their customers.

Our recommendations for improved customer protection from counterfeit cashier's checks include:
Requiring banks to give full disclosure of the true time period for check clearance to the customer

Multiple security watermarks on all cashier's checks to make them more difficult to counterfeit

Require that funds cannot be released until verified as good by the bank, unless the customer signs a release

Hold financial institutions liable for any monetary loss due to the customers reliance on false, inaccurate or misleading statements by bank and their employees

Mandatory holding periods on all checks of a substantial amount, unless the customer signs a release

Setting a time period, such as 30 days, in which by law all banks must verify the funds are good on all cashier's checks. Any issues with the check after this time period are the responsibility of the bank.

Creating an agency or department of the government that will investigate counterfeit cashier's check scams and oversee that the banks are following the laws that may be created in relation to cashier's checks

These items will help to ensure good business practices, customer financial safety, and reduce the use of counterfeit checks as a means of fraud. If financial institutions understand that they will be help totally liable for any monetary losses due to false or misleading statements or neglect to follow the above described check clearing and verification process the financial institutions will take measures to protect themselves from this type of loss, thus protecting the customer, the financial system, and reducing the criminal activity of producing counterfeit cashier's checks. Our financial institutions are our last defense against this type of fraud, so it is important that these customer protection laws be created to ensure that they are working with and for their customers in order to reduce such activity.

Please, help us get our message about this scam and the lack of protection that the current banking laws provide for the people who become the victims of this crime. The public needs to know that cashier's checks are not any safer than personal checks.

kscornwell-don't cash or depostit the check. That's another take on an old scam. You send them money after you deposit or cash the check.They get theri money-you get caught with a bad check and charges you are responsible for. Report it to the Post office and police department so they can track it. Any one who ask you to give them money,deposit money for them,etc.,in order for you to get money-is a scam. No reputable company will ask you to give them money or deposti money and mail it to them. Also, if you participate in the mailing of these funds,you can be in big trouble too-so be carefull!!!...Karen

Thanks,everyone. The wierdest thing about this was that they told me to send money to this person and never gave me an address! Just a city and province in Canada. Glad my radar was working...but I'm still going to call these people tomorrow to get the lowdown!

Payday loans in Canada
According to the Canadian Criminal Code, any rate of interest charged above 60% per annum is considered criminal. On August 14, 2006, the Supreme Court of British Columbia issued its decision in a class action lawsuit against A OK Payday Loans. A OK charged its customers 21% interest, as well as a "processing" fee of C$9.50 for every $50.00 borrowed. In addition a "deferral" fee of $25.00 for every $100.00 was charged if a customer wanted to delay payment. The judge ruled that the processing and deferral fees were interest, and that A OK was charging its customers a criminal rate of interest. The payout as a result of this decision is expected to be several million dollars.

Here's the latest chapter in the story:
Curiosity got the better of me and I wound up calling the number on this letter today. I got a guy with a really thick African accent (almost sounded like Cash Today 4U--wonder if it's the same call center!) who said he was in Calgary and said I had to do this job today! I told him that I had no relative in Ontario and he said that wasn't an issue, that the money was going back into the Moneygram system, when I said I was calling the bank this check was drawn on to verify funds! He said I didn't have to do it if I didn't want to, blah blah...So I think this is a scam!! Scamalishious....

Scamo-Delici-ousous!

Scamarrific! :)

What's scary is there are actually people falling for these scams every day. It's sad. :(

Yeah--I think that's where former Cash Today 4 U employees are going!

And the final chapter of this story: I was too curious to let this go, so I actually called the Florida bank this check was drawn on (Prosperity Bank). Turns out they don't even do cashier's checks--and they have an on-going investigation with the FBI on these crooks!Am I ever glad I didn't cash this!
I have called the police dept in my town and will also call the Post Office, as I think this is also mail fraud.
I also called the company to tell them where they could put their check and they hung up on me! (figures...)

I have learned from reading many posts here about unsolicted checks that they should be avoided and ripped up if not reported to the police. I received a check for $18 yesterday that was a refund from a payed medical bill, I was hesitant to deposit it but I checked my payment and it was one I had made. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.. good luck