Police: Fake traveler's checks making rounds

[bob]

We recieved 2500 in traveles checks from a bamk called Sumitomo out of new York, I got these checks and noone ever told me they were coming, or what to do with them, the Fedex was empty except for the checks. I called the number posted to verify them and was told they could only speak to a financial institution. We took them to 2st southern Bank and they had no cleu about what to do with regard to verifying them, they just said to deposit them. If the banks won't or can't help, then where do we turn, I can't imagine that the police would be arresting people for depositing checks that were sent to them without any guilty knowledge or malicious intent. Let me know I am wrong!!!

[darlene laforge cape ma]

I placed an ad just looking for a house, for myself, son and daughter and it was on craiglist.
A woman responded said I could live there and just pay utilities and work for her as an employee for her corintians furniture limited store and she was in canada. she said money is coming tomorrow, cash the check and send to her lawyer because his son is sick and sent a bloody picture of a kid all messed up. this is supposed to come tomorrow and i just started by googling the company and up comes all this, i dont know if its travelers checks or what, said to keep ten percent and then she would come to us with keys to her apartment and sent pics of what it looked like, a picture of herself and all about her assistant and to send her all the info of tracking number of western union, secret question money transfer control number and that her personal assistant would call tomorrow and talk to him and ask him anything. Whats up with all this???

[darlene laforge cape ma]

whow is veroika colins wrote:

sum1 emial'd me abuot a weeke or 2 ago for a apartmunt i coul'd liv in on craiglist i look'd on the emial and i thaght it was a guud deal and i lik'd the aparmnt to liev in thne i look'd in m mailbxo an ther was 2000 dolars of cheks.i went to a bank to get muny for the cheks and they ask me how i get it frum and i say'd i got from cannadian veroika colins on a internet for a apartmunt to liv in thne a polic men put handcoofs on me and he sayd im guing to jaikl and i caly'd my sistur to hlep me get out and i got out aftur 10 ours of riting papurs for policmen so i gues i dont nee'd inernet becuase i get intu troubkle i sory fur bad chek veroika colins

faith collins, sent pics of her apartment, sent pic of herself, her personality, her story, put all her emails in folder on my computer, then i started the google for info on furniture company and up came these stories, money coming tomorrow, i will not accept it and i will notify police. thank you not a sucker anymore nieve in mass.

[Mark]

We got an email for work at home, same deal, we received 3 A.M. Travelers Checks, and we were smart enough to throw them away. Anyone who actually deposited these checks into their bank account, knew it was wrong but figured they would just do it and see if they get away with it. I mean really....?

[Mark]

Royal Miette wrote:

I received 4 $500.00 AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVELLERS CHECK,HOW DO I FIND OUT IF THEY ARE REAL
THANK YOU
ROYAL MIETTE

The fact that you received them and you know that you did nothing, or gave nothing in return for them should be enough to tell you there not "real"

[Katie]

What if you already filled out the form. My friend just told me to google this letter I got. It was the same as the ubove but she goes by Faith Collins. I already filled out the form and sent her info.

[Heads up]

heads up ya'll

[Jenn]

I got the same email as everyone else. Cash these checks and I will get back to you on where to send the money. Well, I never thought twice about then about a month or longer went by and I received and envelope in the mail with no return address. It was posted marked from Australia and thought that it was from my mother who lives there. No note inside and thought that was kind of strange but when counting the Travelers Checks there was 8 in the amount of $500 each. I saved the envelope and waited a day or two because I wasn't sure what to think. I took them to mycreit union where I banked and explained where I got them and asked if they were real, they cashed them. I went back again and explained the situation again to a different teller and she cashed them and deposit them into my account. A week later I went back to get the money out and they called the police which at that time I was arrested and now am on 3 years probation for forgery with this on my record it hurts me because I fell for this scam. I have my degree as a paralegal and now unable to get a job not to say it ruined my marriage. The credit union is trying to get the money back and states that they are going to file a civil action against myself and husband since he works. The point of probation is to make restitution so if that is the case please do. The credit union is harassing me on a regular basis.
Now a year later I am looking for others who have been scammed the same way and never was arrested or charged with this so that I can appeal my case. I don't have a problem paying back the money but it was the teller error and that speaks for it self right there.

[armac]

Jenn wrote:

I got the same email as everyone else. Cash these checks and I will get back to you on where to send the money. Well, I never thought twice about then about a month or longer went by and I received and envelope in the mail with no return address. It was posted marked from Australia and thought that it was from my mother who lives there. No note inside and thought that was kind of strange but when counting the Travelers Checks there was 8 in the amount of $500 each. I saved the envelope and waited a day or two because I wasn't sure what to think. I took them to mycreit union where I banked and explained where I got them and asked if they were real, they cashed them. I went back again and explained the situation again to a different teller and she cashed them and deposit them into my account. A week later I went back to get the money out and they called the police which at that time I was arrested and now am on 3 years probation for forgery with this on my record it hurts me because I fell for this scam. I have my degree as a paralegal and now unable to get a job not to say it ruined my marriage. The credit union is trying to get the money back and states that they are going to file a civil action against myself and husband since he works. The point of probation is to make restitution so if that is the case please do. The credit union is harassing me on a regular basis.
Now a year later I am looking for others who have been scammed the same way and never was arrested or charged with this so that I can appeal my case. I don't have a problem paying back the money but it was the teller error and that speaks for it self right there.

As a paralegal you should understand the verbage on the agreement when you opened your account. You are liable for each and every item you deposit.deposit.

[Rod]

Well apparently another round of these have gone out. It's small consolation that mine is not the only misappropriated name and address being used as the "return address." Ok, the take away message from all these posts is that THESE CHECKS ARE FAKE. IF YOU DEPOSIT THEM, THEY WILL BOUNCE. YOU WILL BE LIABLE. GIVE THEM TO YOUR LOCAL POLICE.

[Tracy and Samantha]

My daughter got the same emails from this Veronika Collins and after about 3 emails and after my daughter sent a pic of herself and got no responces i startd to get a little worried so I googled what info I had and found out the hard way it was fake. we have notified our local police about it. thankful we have not recieved any checks so far. but now that we know its a scam we are better papered. As an adult I should have known but this person sound so convincing. Hopefully nothing will come about this but this person now has my daughters full name, address, and phone #. its pretty scary. We fell like idiots for falling for this.

[Kate]

I just recieved an email for veronica with pictures of herself and apartment (free rent) Thanks to you guys I will not reply with any information! Thanks

[sam]

Ok im getting scared now because I just sent my address and info to this "veronica" what should i do now...should i be scared for the safety of m7y family

[kimmiko]

weird.
I just posted an add on craigslist regarding my apartment lease being sublet/sublease and looking for an apartment as well and got an e-mail from this veronica collinz lady.
Hello,
My name is veronica Collins. I am in early age of 50's, I am a Canadian.I come to the states mostly for business purposes because I deal on Furniture. I sell furniture to stores and houses in the united states , Canada and Europe . It is my family business.I bought a house last year in the states where you are currently looking for an apartment in orange county area.It is peaceful with a loving neighbourhood.
Unfortunately my Mother passed away on the 7th of May 2007 and as the only daughter of my parents I have to go and take care of the family business back in Canada . I realised that it will be very difficult to supply goods to my clients in the United states while am away and it will definitely cost me more comming over to receive payments from my clients because they pay mostly in checks.
Running the business from Canada will be difficult and will be impossible especially the aspect of payment and I do not also want to lose my clients in the states So what I intend doing is, I am looking for someone to stay in my house free of charge but will have to pay for all utility bills. Which is just $275. I do not want to sell the house because I just bought it. I am simply looking for someone that is honest and trustworthy and clean for some tasks.
:Your task are, help me to co-ordinate payments from my clients and help me with the payment process. You are not involved in any activity. I have decided to open this new job position for solving this problem.
secondly Receive payment from my clients
3. Cash Payments at your Bank
4. To maintain the house when I am away and to help me receive payments issued in checks from my clients within the USA on my behalf in your name and have it cashed because they pay mostly with checks and have the funds wired to me here in Canada through money gram transfer/western union transfer.
You don't have to pay me for the accommodation. its just for the purpose of keeping my business going on in the United states.and if you want to keep this assignment as a job let me know so I can allocate 10% on each payment that you receive if at all you don't want to live in the house or if you are far from the house let me know if you will just keep the job.
The house is a great one,living room,3 bedrooms,2 bathroom,parking space and furnished as well . If you want I can email you the pictures and if you are interested I can send the keys to you via courier so you can go and see the house. It is a very lovely house and i know you will definitly like it.
If you are interested in handling my business in the states and keeping the house neat, please send me your full name and address with your phone number and also for me to be able to know how far the place is from your present residential place. I am back in Canada now. you can send back your response to my personal. email: [e-mail] or you can add me to your messenger so we can chat. I've been hard hearing for 24 years now so in the future I may not be able to make phone conversations but I can always email you anytime.
sincerely,
veronica
THE EMAIL WAS: [e-mail]
**BE CAREFUL

[kimmiko]

***BTW, i got a similar e-mail from a guy named REMI SCHAWZER JOHNSON***
do you think that it's a fraud too? it read:
Hello,
I found your listing on the internet as i was surfing
and deemed it fit to email you. I have a house
available for you to stay in and also work for me.My
name is Remi Schawzer Johnson and i'm from Sweden a
member of the European Union. I come to the United
States and UK often mostly for business purposes
because i deal with local fabrics, artifacts, antiques
and crafts from Africa. I market/sell these to some
private and sometimes public clients (I bought an
apartment in Orange County). I love it there because
its nice and comfy. Unfortunately, my father passed
away on the 2nd of February 2006,and as the only son
in my family, i have to shuttle between Europe and
America most times, but i spend most of my time in
Europe [London]. I realise that it will be very
difficult to supply goods to my clients again in the
United states while am away and it will definitely
cost me a lot to come over to receive payments cos
they pay mostly in Checks and Money Orders.I'm always
making trips to South Africa and London to monitor
things with my sisters which I love and cherish so
much.To run the business from there will be difficult
and will be impossible especially the aspect of
payment and i don't also want to lose my clients or
customers there . So what i intend doing is that i am
looking for some one to stay at my house for a token
fee of $250 monthly. I am simply looking for someone
that is honest and trustworthy and clean for two
reasons ;
1. To maintain the house when i am away and,
2. To help me receive payments from my clients within
the USA on my behalf in his/her name and have it
cashed because they mostly pay checks and money
orders.
Just make use of Money Gram Transfer/Western Union
Money Transfer. You'll be paying just $250 monhtly for
the accommodation.
I want to keep the business going in the United
States. I want you to take this job as a part time job
and i will allocate 5% on each payment that you
receive.If you dont want to live in the house but want
to work for me i might consider that as well.The house
is furnished.If you want i can email you some
pictures. If you are interested in handling my
business in the state and keeping the house neat
please send me your ; Full Name(s), Mailing Address,
Phone Number(s) and Education and we can get
started.Let me know what city you're in so i would be
able to determine if you are suitable.This involves a
lot of trust and sincerity so if you are not
trustworthy please do not bother to email me.
Remi Schawzer Johnson

[kimmiko]

**SECOND EMAIL READS**
Hello Kimberly,
It doesnt matter if you English is not the best, so far you can handle money. I am very pleased to get a response this early.I'm really happy and enthusiastic about this.I want to give my word that this is legal and accredited so be rest assured all is well. I have attached some pics for you to view.It has 3 rooms and 3 baths, you will be staying alone as i will not be staying with you.Tell me for how long do you intend to stay? I will let you have the specific address of the apartment in due time. I am currently on a business trip so i need you to stay in touch via email.
My business is that of buying and selling, i get artifacts, crafts, fabrics and textiles all from Africa and i sell to prospective clients.The job i want you to do is to receive,cash and remit payments (via wire transfer) that would be sent by clients on my behalf.I have a client who owes me some outstanding payments and he wants to send them. Since i have your current mailing address and phone number i will instruct that he sends payment to you. Let me know if thats ok by you. I need someone to start working for me now, its part time and wouldnt take much of your time.
Everything would just be fine if you can work for me and take care of the house pending my return to the states. This can be achieved if there is mutual trust and we work hand in hand. I expect to hear from you soonest.Also let me know what date you would like to move in? I should be back in the states on the 26th of May so we can go look at the house together.If thats fine with you let me know.Have a nice day.
Remi
P.S. I am sorry for the long delay in response. Its just that i am a business man and currently i am passing through a lot. I have alot on my hands and i only get to check my emails once a day. I have explained all i can in my email above. All utilities will be handled by me and if you give the go ahead now i will instructed that clients send their payment to you address pending when you move to the apartment. Stay in touch.
**ATTACHED were pictures of the house but they were thumbnail size.
***ANY advice?
~kimmiko
**PS. if u have nothing respective, constructive, and helpful to say DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.
I'm not an idiot, i'm not going to send him/her money. I just want to discuss the situation. Thanks.

[Jenny Fisher]

I advertised rings on a local Australian Website, and Cliff Klesser answered. Eventually he sent me a fake bank cheque on the Federal Bank of America for $4300.00 more than asked for. What a stupid faker.

[cajlmy]

Hello today I recieved 4 visa travlers checks ans found out there were counterfit so I went to the police to turn them in and the police offer I spoke with treated me as if I was a criminal and involved in the scame and when I asked him why would I bring them to you if I was involved he was very baligerent and mean and said mame mame mame we see this all the time and this is your last time to comfess to anything and I told him I am not involved I am trying to do the right thing. But he still has me under investagation I belive at this time what is someone suppose to do if this is how they will be treated for trying to do the right thing??????

[cajlmy]

ken wrote:

dont worry everyone. i kinda felt that it was a scam, so i checked online first and found you guys... i have all their information to turn over to police. they really should check into who they are sending them to.

I took mine to the police today and the officer that took my info treated me as if I was part of it all so I dont know what to tell any of you on this one as to what to do

[jorge]

i got this email yesterday im from mexico looking an aparment in craigslist and they replay this.
check this out.
Hello There,
I found your listing on the internet as i was surfing and deemed it fit to email you. I have a house available for you to stay in and also work for me.My name is REMI SCHAWZER JOHNSON and i'm from Sweden a member of the European Union. I come to the United States and UK often mostly for business purposes because i deal with local fabrics, artifacts, antiques and crafts from Africa. I market/sell these to some private and sometimes public clients (I bought an apartment in Dallas). I love it there because its nice and comfy. Unfortunately, my father passed away on the 2nd of February 2006,and as the only son in my family, i have to shuttle between Europe and America most times, but i spend most of my time in Europe [London]. I realise that it will be very difficult to supply goods to my clients again in the United states while am away and it will definitely cost me a lot to come over to receive payments cos they pay mostly in Checks and Money Orders.I'm always making trips to South Africa and London to monitor things with my sisters which I love and cherish so much.To run the business from there will be difficult and will be impossible especially the aspect of payment and i don't also want to lose my clients or customers there . So what i intend doing is that i am looking for some one to stay at my house for a token fee of $250 monthly. I am simply looking for someone that is honest and trustworthy and clean for two reasons ;
1. To maintain the house when i am away and,
2. To help me receive payments from my clients within the USA on my behalf in his/her name and have it cashed because they mostly pay checks and money orders.
Just make use of Money Gram Transfer/Western Union Money Transfer. You'll be paying just $250 monhtly for the accommodation.I want to keep the business going in the United States. I want you to take this job as a part time job and i will allocate 5% on each payment that you receive.If you dont want to live in the house but want to work for me i might consider that as well.The house is furnished.If you want i can email you some pictures. If you are interested in handling my business in the state and keeping the house neat please send me your ; Full Name(s), Mailing Address, Phone Number(s) and Education and we can get started.Let me know what city you're in so i would be able to determine if you are suitable.This involves a lot of trust and sincerity so if you are not trustworthy please do not bother to email me.
Remi Schawzer Johnson