Overpayment and overseas purchase and booking orders

Overpayments scams involve someone sending you or providing you with a cheque, money order or credit card for more than the price of the item you are selling, and requests you refund the difference. But the cheque bounces, the money order is fake or the credit card was stolen and you are out of pocket.

It doesn't matter what is being sold: scammers have used the overpayment scam for cars, boats, horses, and accommodation;
Never agree to a deal in which the buyer wishes to issue an amount for more than the agreed price, and expects you to reimburse the balance;
Never accept a cheque or money order, and then turn around and send part of the money back;
Don’t assume that the cheque or money order is legitimate just because your bank accepts it for deposit. It takes time to clear an overseas cheque;
Always seek authorisation from the credit card issuer to ensure the card is not stolen;
If they want to use an escrow company (a third party which holds the money until the item is delivered), select your own. Their “escrow company” may be bogus;
Remember, these scammers are conmen and are expert at coming up with plausible reasons and excuses.

Page last updated on: - Tuesday, 9 May 2006