Some guy tried to get my Mother on the bad check with balance mailed somewhere else scam a couple of months ago.
She initially was working with the guy, as it sounded legit, but she called me when he wanted to do the check thing. I told her scam and to sever all ties.
The guy tried to bully her into completing the transaction by saying he had contacted an attorney, had the FBI investigating her, whole 9 yards. It was quite funny, so I got her to write back...
"Dear XXXXX:
I have reconsidered and am willing to complete this transaction. Please forward to me your payment, which I understand will be in the amount of X dollars. I am to cash the check, deduct my costs, and forward the remaining amount on to your friend, Mr. X.
However, because of rampant scamming and check forgery that is now ongoing through internet transactions, I have instituted a new check handling policy.
ALL funds derived from checks, money orders, etc., no matter what their source, will he held for a MINIMUM of 90 days and a MAXIMUM of 180 days to ensure that the payment vehicle is not counterfeit.
Once confirmation comes through the banking system that the payment vehicle is, in fact, legitimate, the item you purchased will be shipped to you at your address of record and surplus funds will be forwarded to your intended recipient, but in no case will the merchandise or the funds be released before 90 days.
I trust that a 3-month delay in completion of this transaction won't be too much of an inconvenience for you."
The response was, predictably, quite humorous. :)
