In the world of online selling, trust is everything. But what happens when that trust is exploited by scammers? A recent investigation by consumer investigator Dale Cardwell uncovered a counterfeit check scam that preys on everyday people looking to sell their items online. If you’ve ever listed something on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay, this is a must-read—because these scams are more common than you might think.
How the Scam Works
Imagine you’re selling a piece of furniture. A potential buyer reaches out, seemingly eager to purchase. They offer to send a check—except not just for the agreed price, but for a much larger amount. Why? They claim they need you to use part of the money to pay the movers who will come to pick up the item.
At first glance, it seems harmless. The check arrives quickly, often via FedEx or UPS, adding to the illusion of legitimacy. It’s issued from a real bank, often printed with the name of a legitimate business—which you could even look up online. But behind the scenes, it’s a well-orchestrated con designed to drain your bank account before you realize the check is fake.
The Telltale Signs of a Craigslist Scam
Scammers are getting smarter, but their tactics still follow a pattern. Here are the key red flags to watch out for:
- Overpayment: If a buyer sends a check for far more than your asking price, be skeptical. No legitimate buyer does this.
- Urgency: They pressure you to deposit the check and send money quickly, often within 72 hours—before your bank flags the check as fraudulent.
- Limited Communication: Scammers avoid phone calls, preferring to communicate only via text or email. This makes it harder to track them.
- Official-looking delivery: The check arrives via a reputable service like FedEx or UPS. This is meant to trick you into thinking it’s legitimate.
- Mismatch of details: The check, sender’s name, and FedEx return address don’t match—but each may belong to a real business, adding to the deception.
Why This Scam Works
The success of this scam hinges on human psychology. By sending a check for more money than expected, scammers create a false sense of security. You might think:
- “Why would someone overpay if this wasn’t real?”
- “They paid for overnight shipping—this must be legitimate.”
- “A bank accepted the check, so it must be good.”
But here’s the catch: Banks initially clear deposited checks before verifying their authenticity. It can take three to five days (sometimes longer) for a check to bounce. By the time the fraud is discovered, you’ve already sent money to the scammer—money that your bank will not reimburse.
Real Victims, Real Consequences
In our investigation, we spoke with Kim, a business owner who almost fell for the scam when selling furniture online. The red flags were there, but like many people, she initially wanted to believe it was real. Fortunately, she trusted her gut and avoided the trap.
Not everyone is so lucky. Many victims, especially those who need quick cash, lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars before realizing they’ve been conned. And because scammers often operate internationally, law enforcement rarely recovers stolen funds.
How to Protect Yourself
If you’re selling items online, take these precautions to avoid falling victim:
- Never accept an overpayment. If a buyer sends too much money and asks you to refund or pay someone else, it’s a scam.
- Verify the check with the issuing bank. Call the bank directly—using a number from their official website—to confirm if the check is real.
- Wait for full clearance. Even if a check appears deposited, wait at least 7-10 business days before spending any of the money.
- Insist on cash or verified digital payments. Accept only cash, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal (Friends & Family disabled) from verified buyers.
- If it feels off, trust your instincts. Scammers rely on hesitation and politeness. If something doesn’t add up, walk away.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Reeled In
As Dale Cardwell and producer Marnie Zambri emphasized in their investigation, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. These scams continue to work because enough people fall for them—and scammers only need one successful hit to make their scheme worthwhile.
If you ever receive a suspicious offer, talk to a friend or family member before taking action. And remember: if it feels fishy, don’t reel it in.
For more investigative consumer reports and fraud prevention tips, visitTrustDALE.com—because the best defense against scams is knowing what to look for before it’s too late.
