[mikiec]

RED ALERT: counterfeit cashier's check con-artist scam. Today (Monday, 21 April 2003) it has been brought to our attention that there is a scam, currently operating out of Africa, whereby someone advertising for sale an automobile (or any other high-value item), is contacted by someone alleging that he's interested in the purchase of your motorcar, and that he's representing a potential buyer in Africa. This inquiry commonly attempts to arrange the purchase of the car with a cashiers check covering the price of the car and shipping. After the car (or other valuable item) has been shipped, you are perhaps requested to refund the shipping charges as part of a "finders' fee" arrangement. They may also send you a check larger than the purchase price and ask for a refund of the difference. This scenario sounds like it was hatched by the same folks who bring you the nefarious "I am Dr. Obutu Mugabe, Nigerian Minister of Commerce" scam. And their emails seem to always be composed in vision-blinding ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, another dead giveaway. Beware, beware, beware! You should heed the old adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." You may also forward suspected scam email directly to:uce@ftc.gov. Canadian: contact The Royal Canadian Mounted Police.