Victim Location 12302
Total money lost $1,963
Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order
I own a business * *** ** *** that provides music for weddings. Sarah Bradley and Tom Palm 1212 Rugby Road Schenectady NY 12308 contacted my business for hiring my group for their wedding. They sent a contract for a 10/27/18 wedding. A "bank" cashiers check from Peoples Security Bank 150 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA of $1950 for more than the non-refundable deposit of $100 was sent to me by Dilip Patel. Sarah and Tom explained that her Godfather was confused and sent me too much could I please forward the amount $1850 on to the Videographer Bertha Her in California. They insisted that I send the check overnight which cost $24.70 and the check itself cost $6.00. I deducted that amount from the original and sent $1825.30 on 9/25/18 to Bertha Her, 1317 markham Ave, Modesto CA 95358.
On 9/30/18 received notice that the "wedding has been postponed due to death of Sarah’s mother, will contact you when we have a new date". On 10/1/18 I received notice from the bank stating that the check was "fictitious and altered" no funds are available. Charge of $13.00 to my checking account. I had been in contact with Sarah and Tom by phone/text (209) 208-8508 regarding this matter and they said there would be a replacement check sent soon.. Nothing has come and they have stopped communicating with me as of 10/8/18.
Is there any thing that can be done to recover the $1950 + $13.00 bank fee.
Thank you!
*** ***, * *** ** ***
I am a wedding music business owner who was contacted by Bertha Her to provide wedding music at a private home in Central AL. A quick google search revealed that the home is not only unsuitable for a wedding, but is for sale! No one lives there! I was 5 minutes away from sending my address. If I had, I’m sure the same scam mentioned above would have occurred. Glad I found this thread!