The Nigerian Counterfeit Cashier's Check Scam involves a response to an online offer to sell or auction goods (usually expensive items). Here is how the new scam may unfold:

• The con artist "buyer" emails the seller to express interest in the item, offering to pay with a U.S. bank cashier's check.
• Once the offer is accepted, the "buyer" makes some excuse for sending a cashier's check that is several thousand dollars more than the cost of the item and wants the seller to send excess money: 1) to cover transportation costs for the purchased good; 2) because the buyer's secretary made a mistake and put the wrong check in the envelope; 3) with the purchased product; or 4) to a third party to cover an existing debt.
• Credibility is added to the ploy when the "buyer" insists that the money only be sent after the cashier's check clears.
• The cashier's check is an elaborate counterfeit and it takes the bank longer than usual to discover the fake.
• The seller thinks they have received a good check and sends the good and the “extra” cash.
• The bank notifies the seller the cashier’s check is a counterfeit and removes the check amount from the seller’s account. The seller lost the goods and cash.

Consumers must be alert to the fact that just because money from the check may be made quickly available doesn't mean a check is valid. The check must go back to the originating bank and it must clear. This process can take several days and, in the case of an elaborate counterfeit, may take a few weeks.

Report Nigerian Fraud Attempts

If you or any member of your family has been a victim of any form of the Nigerian scam, contact the United States Secret Service, the lead agency fighting this fraud at 202-406-5572. If you receive an email relating to advanced fee fraud, please forward the email to the Secret Service at: 419.fcd@usss.treas.gov.

If you receive a letter in the mail, you may send or fax it to:

U.S. Secret Service
Financial Crimes Division
950 H. Street, NW
Suite 5300
Washington, DC 20223
Fax: (202) 406-6930

If the scheme targets a United States resident but involves a Canadian address or phone number, inform PhoneBusters by sending an email to info@phonebusters.com or calling toll-free 1-888-495-8501.

From the Michigan Attorney General's Office.