Dangers of overpayment scams

If it sounds too good to be true...

From the Washington State Attorney General's office come new warnings about check overpayment scams:

Attorney General Rob McKenna warned Washington residents that con artists are becoming increasingly skilled at customizing their pitches. Residents of Lakewood, Washington, have been targeted twice in recent weeks for identity theft and financial fraud scams. The cases appear to be unrelated, but show how far criminals will go in order to convince someone to send money or provide personal information.

“Scammers are becoming increasingly more sophisticated in their schemes,” McKenna said. “They may initially appear genuine and nice. But often, when a potential victim refuses to fall for the scam, cons reveal their real personalities and become increasingly manipulative and even belligerent. Never wire money to a stranger. And don’t provide personal information requested in an e-mail or by an unsolicited caller.”

The Attorney General’s Office recently saw one of its most convincing “check overpayment” scams involving counterfeit checks and attempted wire transfer fraud. The scam began after a con artist sent an e-mail to a Lakewood music teacher on May 31, claiming to be an antique auctioneer seeking a flute instructor for her 11-year-old son.

The con apparently found the teacher’s e-mail address on the Web site of a music conservatory, where four years ago she posted an announcement that she was available to teach private lessons. After more than a month of exchanging e-mails with the scammer, the teacher realized the phony customer was only after her money.

The con, using the name “Tracy Stroller,” wrote, “My son Trevor suffered slight shock from the accident that my husband died in. It happened while we were on our yearly family vacation in the mountains of Billings Montana in 2006. I was informed that exposure and a change of environment could ease his ordeal mentally. We are currently in the Republic of Benin on an antique auction but Trevor will be coming over to SEATTLE before the 15th JULY and will stay as his godfather because we will both be staying there for 3months while he’s godfather is away (sic)…”

The message asks about the teacher’s qualifications and whether she will accept checks or money orders as payment. “Tracy Stoller” sent a follow-up email, stating, “if i decide to send you money order or a check from here it could fall in the wrong hands and take up to 21 days but within the states its much easier. (sic)”

The teacher replied that she would prefer a money order. Shortly thereafter, she received a package containing four money orders, each for $832 from someone named “David Collins.”

“Tracy Stroller” wrote again, asking the teacher to take the funds to her bank immediately and keep a portion as her payment plus an additional $200. She should then send the remainder by wire transfer to an address in New Jersey. The con claimed the extra money was needed to pay for Trevor’s airline ticket. Someone then called the teacher at her home early on the Fourth of July and told her that she had to cash the checks immediately. She could hear other voices in the background. The teacher instead turned the checks over to the Attorney General’s Office.