Local folks have contacted BBB stating that that they received a package delivered by Fed Ex with two and some times more money Gram money orders for $840 each, drawn on various busineses like the grocery store chain Albertson’s.
When BBB did research online, it came to find that many people have been recently posting questions and concerns about having randomly received money orders from a company regarding a work from home opportunity as a data entry processor.
The recipients of these fake money orders post online that they then receive an email from a person posing as a business about what to do next with these money orders in order to get started working for them.
They are to cash the fake money orders at a local bank, get a Western Union money order, and send it to an unknown in another part of the country to pay for a computer and shipping “to get started.”
BBB ADVICE
With the economy on shaky ground, and unemployment numbers still high, “work at home opportunities” that are flat out scams are transpiring at an all time high. We are all becoming much more aware of fake checks being sent for anything from lotteries to secret shopping scams to survey assistants, etc. With more heightened awareness has come an increase in the counterfeiting of other methods of payment, including Money Gram money orders—officially delivered by FedEx, no less, to make the scam seem that much more legitimate!
MoneyGram money orders aren't the only methods of payment being counterfeited. Counterfeit cashier's checks, money orders, gift certificates, US Postal Service money orders and travelers’ checks are also counterfeited and used in these types of scams.
The common denominator in these scams is that there will be a request to cash the payment at your local bank and WIRE proceeds, minus your cut, back to the scammers for this that or another reason. If you attempt to cash a counterfeit check or money order and you spend any of the funds, you will be 100% liable for any funds you spend.
Worse, if you are caught up in a scam as a pawn in the game (forwarding counterfeit checks or money orders via mail) you risk being prosecuted and imprisoned for having played a role in the scam.
The best way to avoid getting scammed is to call and verify the item at MoneyGram, itself. This can be done by calling 800-542-3590.
If you want to learn more about these scams, go to bbb.org, fakechecks.org, FTC.gov, and the US Postal Inspector’s Office web sites.