Victim Location 33326
Total money lost $2,150
Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order
I was contacted by an individual named "Alice" about a piece of furniture I listed on the app called "Trove" to buy the
furniture on 8/3/19. (dining table and TV stand, together $1250). We exchanged cell phone numbers for the deal. She
offered to send a cashier’s check for the full amount that would clear and then we would arrange for pick up of the
furniture. I was also contacted by another "partner" about the check. I was also contacted by Alice’s "husband" about the check. These individuals contacted me from 3 different phone numbers about this deal. Alice’s partner advised that they sent an extra $2150 for the "moving company." They asked that I give the $2150 to the movers when they arrive for pickup.
"Alice" mailed a cashier’s check to me at my home for $3450 and I deposited it by mobile deposit and it cleared on 8/7/19. The check was from "Members 1st Federal Credit Union" in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The check appeared legitimate including what appeared to be a water mark and signature on the front and space for signatures on the back. When the funds cleared they then asked that I transfer moving funds via "Zelle" from my bank to the moving company so the movers can arrange pick up. I sent the movers "Christopher French" – [email protected] the $2150 by Zelle transfer on 8/8/19. When it cleared they told me they scheduled pick up for 8/11/19.
On 8/10/19 I received another text from Alice’s "husband" at a different number and said they want to cancel the deal. "Alice" advised that her husband bought new furniture and they did not discuss the deal and they needed a refund. They asked for a Zelle transfer only
– and advised they needed it immediately because of her "husband’s" travel plans – they would not accept cashier
check by mail. They did not send their address.
I reported this suspicious activity to local Sheriff’s office and my bank. I then contacted the bank listed on the cashier check (in Pennsylvania) — the bank confirmed the check was counterfeit. It is not the correct color, does not have the correct information on the check, and the account
numbers are fake. I blocked further communication with the "buyers" at this time. The check is expected to be rejected this coming week and I will have lost the $2150 that I sent to the "movers." I also am at risk for having my accounts closed due to the fake check. I caught the fake before I sent the remaining $1300, otherwise I would have lost the full $3450 they sent by fake cashier check.