Crime Alert: Watch out for online sale scams

TSCRA Special Rangers are warning folks about a recent case of fraud concerning the purchase of cattle online and reminding sellers to take precautions when accepting cashier’s checks. If a buyer presents a cashier’s check, do not accept a payment amount for any price other than the one that was agreed. Often, thieves will present a check for above the asking price and ask for this difference back, or to pay the driver for transporting the animal. It could take weeks before the scam is discovered, since many banks will hold a cashier’s check for a period of time. It pays to be suspicious in this situation. If you suspect a transaction may be a scam, contact your Special Ranger.
Many people assume a cashier’s check, which is a check issued by a bank and payable to a specific person, is as good as cash. By using a cashier’s check, a buyer is guaranteed those funds by the issuing bank. However, technology has advanced to the point that thieves can create fake checks that would fool most people. Click here to read a few tips from the U.S. Department of the Treasury on avoiding cashier’s check fraud…