Online ads have helped people selling furniture, cars, clothes and houses, but they have also given people headaches because of fraudsters who have tricked them into fake checking schemes.
The Consumer Federation of America estimated 1.3 million Americans have been hoaxed into scams. The scams can lead victims into losing anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000.
Adam Wright, a senior from Fort Collins, Colo., has had his credit card information stolen and used in Italy.
“Fraud is very easy and very prevalent in the U.S. and the world,” Wright said. “You have to be careful what you’re doing and what you’re looking for.”
Utah consumers have been told to be extra careful while doing business with classified ads, by the Division of Consumer Protection. There have been an abundance of people from Utah who have reported to the division that fraudsters have been trying to trick them with fake checking schemes.
“Online classifieds have become fertile ground for fraudsters seeking new victims for fake check scams,” said Francine A. Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, in a news release. “While these online sites are convenient for consumers seeking jobs, goods and services, many scam artists are using them to steal your hard-earned money. If you do business online, check out the source and never use a money wire transfer to complete the transaction.”
By using these helpful tips, sellers or buyers can avoid being scammed. More times than not, a scammer will say they are out of the country. Victims are also told to wire money after they have deposited the check. Fraudsters make fake checks look authentic. The check at first will look like it is real, but that isn’t always the case. It can take weeks for a check to bounce. Any check deposited, the account holder is one who holds responsibility for it. If the check bounces, the holder’s account will be charged for it. Never ask someone to wire money back to a second party.
Spencer Ring, a 23-year-old from Saratoga Springs, has been a seller on the classified ads but never a buyer. Knowing there are fraudsters trying to trick him makes him cautious when looking at online ads and posting online ads.
“I’ve sold a car, I’ve sold a guitar, I’ve been on the selling end before,” he said. “It has made me more cautious. When I sold my car I asked for cash, I had them go to the bank and bring me cash. That way there was no problem with the check.”
