Bad Bank Check-Fraud- What's Next?-Update!

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 12:48PM

We'll be scanning these checks and posting them.

1 from a Russel Harrison ( we shipped this guy today via express mail. Does anyone know how to stop an express mail? ) I shipped the coin to Houston Texas earlier today. If anyone knows the all night distribution telephone numbers there would you please let me know what it is?

Dang it all. My bank didn't even call me. Got this in the mail today and have been charged back. I'll be posting pictures of the coins if we cannot intercept the package.

cullenbryant · August 3, 2007 12:54PM

i sold a car a few weeks ago buyer paid with bank check and wanted the title the next day. i did it but the thought did cross my
mind if it could be a fake.
i took it to the bank and had several of the tellers and even the manager look at it for authenticity.

hope you can stop the package.

GAT · August 3, 2007 12:58PM

Your only hope is the Postal Inspectors who could put a hold on the delivery. I have no idea if they are available over the weekend. I would sure be dialing numbers to find out.

Good Luck

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 1:00PM

Really need to get someone on the phone with the post office in Houston. This definitely has me changing carriers after this. Back to Fedex I go.

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 1:01PM

<< Your only hope is the Postal Inspectors who could put a hold on the delivery. I have no idea if they are available over the weekend. I would sure be dialing numbers to find out.

Good Luck >>

Thanks, believe me we're on it. Police will be here shortly as well.

FLBuffaloHunter · August 3, 2007 1:13PM

Go to the post office first thing in the morning. They have a form to request a package to be returned to the shipper. After you fill it out, have them fax it to the receiving post office. I would then go here and call the post office which delivers to the zip code you shipped it to and make them aware you have filled out a package return form. It is not a guaranteed service, but I would think due to the circumstances, they ahould be able to intercept delivery. They also return the package to you the same way it was shipped. You are supposed to leave a deposit with the post office for the return postage, but the one time I have used the service, I was not charged.

Tonelover · August 3, 2007 1:37PM

Yep, a friend of mine just did this with a Registered package he received a bad check notice on. The receiving PO caught the package and sent it back. I'd think you have to stay on top of them pretty well just to make sure but it can work.

<< Go to the post office first thing in the morning. They have a form to request a package to be returned to the shipper. After you fill it out, have them fax it to the receiving post office. I would then go here and call the post office which delivers to the zip code you shipped it to and make them aware you have filled out a package return form. It is not a guaranteed service, but I would think due to the circumstances, they ahould be able to intercept delivery. They also return the package to you the same way it was shipped. You are supposed to leave a deposit with the post office for the return postage, but the one time I have used the service, I was not charged. >>

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 1:58PM

Thanks!

Be on the lookout for an 1850 Double Eagle

with a cracked holder and an 1855-S in an Anacs AU50 holder.

Charlotte Cnty Sheriffs were just here and basically will be doing nothing. Someone from economic crimes unit will call me in the next 2 weeks. I thought it would be pretty simple for them to coordinate with the post office to be there when the package is delivered and just arrest the guy but they say "it's a lot more invoved than that".

Really?

I'm pissed off at myself for not triple checking which I usually do. This could have been avoided. Meanwhile we're out a couple thousand dollars. I am not a teletype dealer, If any of you guys are on the tape would you please report these as stolen for me. I'll be happy to furnish you with the police report number.

I am REALLY annoyed that my bank didn't call. They'll lose a client on monday.

Here's the 1850

wayneherndon · August 3, 2007 2:15PM

I have used the approach described by FLBuffaloHunter successfully in a similar situation.

Good luck,

WH

FLBuffaloHunter · August 3, 2007 2:21PM

This is the form I was given to fill out.

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 2:24PM

Thanks Wayne

Here's a copy of this "persons" bad check and the letterhead he sent with the bad check

ldhair · August 3, 2007 2:26PM

I don't think many banks call anymore.
They just debit you and if you don't catch it early (online) you get the bad news in the mail a week or so later. Crazy stuff.
Hope this works out ok.

GAT · August 3, 2007 2:27PM

Depends on what time zone you are in. It wouldn't work if your in the Pacific Time Zone waiting for the P.O. to open and the delivery was in other zones. Sounds like Tom's in the EDT zone and the delivery is in the CDT zone so it might work.

MrEureka · August 3, 2007 2:32PM

It might pay to have an attorney or PI visit the PO in Houston the moment they open for business.

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 2:32PM

FLBuffaloHunter, where did you get the receiving post offices fax number??

FLBuffaloHunter · August 3, 2007 2:44PM

The post office numbers for zip code 77802 are here. If you click on more info, it will give you the direct number and the business hours. The post office where you shipped the package needs to fax the form to them. I would call the numbers listed and ask if they handle the mail for zip code 77802 and explain that they should be expecting a package recall form for a express mail package.

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 2:51PM

We bought the express mail online. I faxed to 2 different post offices that show when entering the zip code of this "person". We're taking a ride over to our post office here in Port Charlotte right now to slip a copy under the door in the hopes that they get in before the official opening time. I'll be there when they open as well.

I have another one, yes in addition to this one, on a bank of america check, miami fl, by the way, all in the same week that I did NOT ship. I'll post this guy when I get some time later.

Jeeesh , will be back in about 30 minutes

FLBuffaloHunter · August 3, 2007 2:56PM

You can try faxing this post office which seems to be the one that handles that zip code and has their fax number listed.-

I would then go first thing in the morning to have your post office fax the form and call them.

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 3:10PM

We're back. Buffalohunter, it's 77082 not 778 Only 2 post offices that I could see had a fax number that worked. One had a bad number. Jeez.

FLBuffaloHunter · August 3, 2007 3:36PM

According to 800-ASK-USPS automated post office information the delivery post office for zip code 77082 is this one:

Unfortunatly, the fax is not listed. They open at 7:30 a.m. so you can try calling them.

FLBuffaloHunter · August 3, 2007 3:45PM

You could also try calling the main post office in Houston which receives the package first and is open 24 hours. They may be able to flag the package until the recall form is submitted.-

Dabigkahuna · August 3, 2007 3:47PM

The Post Office may be able to stop the delivery if you file a mail fraud case. If there's time?

I was lucky one time when I sent an Express package to a guy who had used a stolen credit card. It seems the carrier was sharp enough not to deliver it and it was returned to me. Seems the guy had been doing a lot of that and the word must have been out.

I sure it works out and you get the coins back.

Larry
Dabigkahuna

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 3:50PM

Thanks Guys, I sent a fax to the main post office and also to the local post office here.

FLBuffaloHunter · August 3, 2007 3:54PM

Sorry, I posted the wrong main post office in Houston. This is the right one.-

StampAlarm · August 3, 2007 4:01PM

Tom, I would call thePostal Inspection Service also. And you can do that right now. Check option 2 at the bottom. In bold letters at the top it says....One Call Does It All

Jerry

koynekwest · August 3, 2007 4:38PM

"Really need to get someone on the phone with the post office in Houston. This definitely has me changing carriers after this. Back to Fedex I go."

Contact the delivery unit by phone of the Post Office the package was addressed to early tomorrow morning. Explain all the pertinent information.

By the way-why are you blaming the Post Office for this? I ask because I used to work with Express mail before I retired four years ago.

ilikebuffaloes · August 3, 2007 8:58PM

Tom,

I hope that you get the delivery stopped on this coin. In the past, I have taken checks like this to the bank and asked the teller to verify it before I deposit it. With the routing number and account number (numbers on the bottom of the check), they should be able to do this. With all of the fraudulent bank checks and money orders out there now, I verify them all (but I don't do the volume of business that you do).

When shopping for a new bank, I would ask them if they could provide that type of service for you.

Keep us posted. I hope the Post Office catches they guy (he sent the fraudulent check through the mail so that is mail fraud) they take this seriously.

puritan9 · August 3, 2007 9:35PM

Did you call the police in the town where it is to be delivered?

I hope you get your coin back and the guy rots in #$%^!!!!!

tmot99 · August 3, 2007 10:30PM

Good luck, Tom. I hope this gets resolved and you get the coin back.

If the check crosses state lines, then it's much more involved to get the police in another state to respond. It's not just a call. It actualy takes legal action. Just like when non-paying child support, it takes a long time to get it processed through the courts to be able to get this done.

mrearlygold · August 3, 2007 11:58PM

Just got back from our local post office. I was there before they opened ( they're still not open) and went to the back to see if anyone was there to help me. The manager was there and she called Houston. Houston told her that they haven't received their express mail yet. So she faxed them the request to return, the police report etc and hopefully it will be stopped cold when it arrives. Better than that would be if the postal inspector arrests this lowlife.

They will call me when they locate the package. We're keeping our fingers crossed.

Remember I told you all that we got two bad items in one week? Well, maybe more than that now. Stay tuned.

What really gets me is that my bank doesn't even call to advise of a fraudulent check. That I had to get it in the mail.

fcloud · August 4, 2007 12:15AM

It is bad enough you got stuck with a bad check, but I really don't understand why the band didn't call you within an hour of finding out. I use a credit union and they would have called me at home and if I wasn't at home they would have called me at work.

wayneherndon · August 4, 2007 12:21AM

The letterhead and format of the order appears similar to the approach that was being used by the group out of Beverly Hills. I bet they've moved on to Houston and are running the same scam from there. My guess is that this location is a mail drop service with 24 hour access. If you can locate the name of the mail drop operator, you may be able to contact them as well. They'll put the package in his box but he won't come in and pick it up until it's safe.

WH

Barry · August 4, 2007 12:36AM

Good luck, Tom!

VTCoins · August 4, 2007 12:45AM

<< What really gets me is that my bank doesn't even call to advise of a fraudulent check. That I had to get it in the mail. >>

This happened to me too.

Click here

A simple phone call or email from the bank would have been helpful.

mrearlygold · August 4, 2007 12:50AM

I just got off the phone with the bank VP and she of course told me how sorry she was and how she should have been notified on July 31st when it was clear that the check was a fraud.

Fortunately it's not a lot of money. Imagine if it was 100K or more.

But it is the point isn't it?

On a side note, I have now received TWO bank of america checks with similar id numbers from 2 different people. I'll be posting them after monday. One has already been returned and I'm going to bring the other one into Bank of America to see if they'll tell me anything before I deposit it. Wayne, do you recall what bank that gang was using for their checks?

Dang

mrearlygold · August 4, 2007 12:51AM

<< 

<< What really gets me is that my bank doesn't even call to advise of a fraudulent check. That I had to get it in the mail. >>

This happened to me too.

Click here

A simple phone call or email from the bank would have been helpful. >>

Yup, it would have changed everything.

MORGANHUNTER2 · August 4, 2007 12:56AM

Tom:

Time to switch banks- they know what you handle in volume- might make em think about crap like this-

hope you get the pkg back safely and the crook gets a taste of Texas hospitality.

When the lights dim on friday in Texas = another one in the 'hot' seat.

mrearlygold · August 4, 2007 12:59AM

<< Tom:

and the crook gets a taste of Texas hospitality.

When the lights dim on friday in Texas = another one in the 'hot' seat. >>

AUandAG · August 4, 2007 1:02AM

What I'd like to know is how the scumbag found you. What this an Ebay transaction? Other site?
I'd sure like to know if he uses an ebay handle.
thanks and good luck with the return of the coins.
bob

mrearlygold · August 4, 2007 1:09AM

<< What I'd like to know is how the scumbag found you. What this an Ebay transaction? Other site?
I'd sure like to know if he uses an ebay handle.
thanks and good luck with the return of the coins.
bob >>

We're pretty well known and duke it out with everyone on the net. I personally field quite a few calls and emails per day. Plus I have an ebay store which is very very tiny in terms of importance but is there nevertheless..

The one fellow with the fraud bank check claims to have been referred to me by a client. As conservative as I am with regards to checks, shipping, etc I did NOT ask who the client was who referred him. I should have done so. Plus we exchanged emails back and forth and never spoke on the phone ( another mistake on my part ) The other 2 checks, one which has already been rejected and the other sitting here on my desk which is suspect appear just like any other random order which we receive often enough to not give them more than a second glance. Have to re-evaluate that second glance now.

Thank you for the good wishes.

ARCO · August 4, 2007 1:32AM

Very frustrating indeed. I find it utterly mind-boggling that the police will go bust a 17 yr. old shoplifter, some kid with a joint, or that they seemingly have all day long to write annoying tickets to tax abiding citizens. But, when it comes to actually going after real white collar fraud, they are as inept as Cletis on the Dukes of Hazzard.

White collar crime does pay, because the police could care less in most cases (or they don't understand the complexities of the crime), or lack the energy to do anything more than oogle the waitresses at the Dunkin doughnuts.

I think that if you were so inclined, you could go fly to the city where the crime occured (or call first to see if a detective will take your case) and provide evidence to the police of the fraudulant cashiers check and transaction. For the police, it would be as simple as going to the Post office to see who is registered at the P.O. box you sent the coin to, then going to his house and making an arrest.

Tyler

puritan9 · August 4, 2007 1:50AM

I remember getting a bank check ($1200) for a high end seller of coins on e-Bay, and he waited ten days before sending me my coin. I really don't blame him at all.

goldboy · August 4, 2007 2:00AM

From one gold lover to another, I hope this works out well for ya!
Take care

mrearlygold · August 4, 2007 2:04AM

Just received a call from the Woman that was helping me here at the PC post office. She called Texas again and they told her that they have the package and will ship it back, delivery for monday.

1) I hope so and if that happens we'll be grateful.

2) Shows how little that law enforcement cares about fraudulent checks and the criminals that victimize us.

Reminder: I will post copies of the Bank of America checks I recieved with the names and addresses of the "people" who sent me these checks on monday. I will be happy to share this information with anyone who wants it. Be forewarned, there is something going on out there with these lowlifes taking advantage of us. I'm feel certain this isn't isolated to just us.

Hugegut · August 4, 2007 2:19AM

You can prevent some of this stuff in the future by checking the following sources -

Verify the check's routing number :
ABA Lookup

See if a counterfeit check alert has been issued for that bank :
Fake Check Alerts

More counterfeit check alerts :
FDIC Alerts

USPS bad money orders hotsheet :
Bad Money Orders

Good Luck!

bidask · August 4, 2007 2:20AM

Have you asked for the coins back?

ONETHREE · August 4, 2007 2:21AM

<< You can prevent some of this stuff in the future by checking the following sources -

Verify the check's routing number :
ABA Lookup

See if a counterfeit check alert has been issued for that bank :
Fake Check Alerts

More counterfeit check alerts :
FDIC Alerts

USPS bad money orders hotsheet :
Bad Money Orders

Good Luck! >>

Great Links!

mrearlygold · August 4, 2007 2:26AM

Excellent links. Thank you.

ONETHREE · August 4, 2007 2:26AM

Link Sort of like this.

I am not sure it is worth the time or effort depending on the volume you do. We recommend certain banks that give you a check scanner to deposit and clear the check much faster. You will also know if it is bad much faster as the processing time is cut way down.

mrearlygold · August 4, 2007 2:30AM

<< You can prevent some of this stuff in the future by checking the following sources -

Verify the check's routing number :
ABA Lookup

See if a counterfeit check alert has been issued for that bank :
Fake Check Alerts

More counterfeit check alerts :
FDIC Alerts

USPS bad money orders hotsheet :
Bad Money Orders

Good Luck! >>

Interesting how the ABA on one of these checks is accurate and no mention of it being counterfeit. One that was just returned has a very similar signature style to another one I just received. The one that was returned thus far was for "unauthorized signature".

Even a 10 business day holding period is NOT sufficient I am told now. Wow!

Arco, the police had zero interest whatsoever.

mrearlygold · August 4, 2007 2:37AM

<< Link Sort of like this.

I am not sure it is worth the time or effort depending on the volume you do. We recommend certain banks that give you a check scanner to deposit and clear the check much faster. You will also know if it is bad much faster as the processing time is cut way down. >>

Interesting . I spoke to a different bank about the possibilities of jumping ship months ago ( unrelated reasons for jumping ship, just looking for a better deal). He asked me if I had the ability to scan checks at the office and deposit the checks via computer. My answer was no to that and the more I think about it now the more it scares me. The crooks already have a plan to deal with that ya think?

So what's the solution(s) to this? How do we in the profession as well as y'all who are weekend warriors avoid getting burned and not alienate good people who are simply interfacing with us to do the business of coin collecting??

Again think of my position. In 16 years since leaving the firm in Dallas, I have not had a single occurence like this one and suddenly I get hit 3 times in a 2 week period. I don't want to alienate anyone who wants to do business with us but at the same time I need to .....er....do business! The track record of the past 16 years has been great. Is it now a whole new world all of a sudden that requires big changes to how we accept payment or just little tweaks?

I'm open to suggestions

Bad Bank Check-Fraud- What's Next?-Update!

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