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Date Posted: 11:19:31 04/29/04 Thu
Author: Patty
Subject: Newest Internet scam strikes county

Newest Internet scam strikes county

By ANDREA PASCOE
It has become a case of seller beware when using Internet classified sites as new scam artists have figured out a new way to bilk unsuspecting people out of their money.

Kittitas County Sheriff's Office Detective Greg Bannister said at least one Kittitas County resident has fallen for the scam while and additional three have come close. At least one resident was cheated out of $1,000 which was sent to Nigeria.

"Horses, motor homes, electronics - it doesn't matter what you are selling," Bannister said.

He said a "buyer" will approach the seller via e-mail. That person, usually from Nigeria, the Netherlands or England, claims an associate or client in the United States owes him money and then sends the seller a cashier's check for more money than what is needed for the sale. The buyer then requests the seller deposit the check and deduct the amount for the sale and shipping and then wire the balance back to him at his address.

"What happens is the seller deposits the check. The bank will hold it for a day or two and then give the seller the money," Bannister said. "Once the seller receives the money, he becomes responsible for it."

It is usually days later when the seller discovers the check was counterfeit and they now owe money to their bank.

"These guys come across as legitimate buyers, but in the middle of things they'll start rushing the seller saying they need the money right away," Bannister said. "One of them told a seller his mother had died and he needed the money for a funeral."

Bannister said the Secret Service is aware of the scam as are other authorities across the United States. He said if the deal sounds a little weird or too good to be true, it probably is. Bannister cautioned those using Internet classifieds to check out the buyer before striking a deal.

If you or someone you know has run into this situation, go to www.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp to get more information or register a complaint.

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