Scammed Out Of Laptop By Old Cheque :(

twirlypinky

You could always pay it in at those machines rather than at a kiosk thingy, that way it's even less likely to be looked at.

If you got his account number and sort code you could send him a penny in an online transfer to see if the account is still open.

If you got his account number, sort code and three digit security code, and name and address (did you get an address?) you could just buy all your shopping online with the details! I can't believe how little info they need to shop online, they use that three digit security code like it's really clever. Anyone can read it! I know the one of the guy that sit opposite me at work because he pays for things over the phone!

Voyager2002

Firstly, he might have written the wrong year by mistake: that's the kind of thing I do. So unless the cheque has already been 'bounced', you might not have a problem after all. (There are any number of reasons why someone might not answer their telephone.)

Since you know his real name and have his bank details, the police could certainly find him for you. In any case, there are all sorts of ways to track someone down: search this forum for the mammoth thread started by EagerLearner ("please help with flat deposit") to hear how a scammer was located and brought to court by a number of MSE people helping each other.

His actions might have been fraud, in which case the police should take an interest, but carelessness is often not a crime.

Bean_Counter

~Beanie~ wrote: »

Cheques are valid for 6 months.

Cheques are actually valid for six years. I had an old one (genuine) clear the bank two days ago.

ChloeRadshaw

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Firstly, he might have written the wrong year by mistake: that's the kind of thing I do. So unless the cheque has already been 'bounced', you might not have a problem after all. (There are any number of reasons why someone might not answer their telephone.)

Since you know his real name and have his bank details, the police could certainly find him for you. In any case, there are all sorts of ways to track someone down: search this forum for the mammoth thread started by EagerLearner ("please help with flat deposit") to hear how a scammer was located and brought to court by a number of MSE people helping each other.

His actions might have been fraud, in which case the police should take an interest, but carelessness is often not a crime.

Where is this thread please? I could not find ("please help with flat deposit")

exel1966

Bean_Counter wrote: »

Cheques are actually valid for six years. I had an old one (genuine) clear the bank two days ago.

Correct, but it is at the discretion of the bank to accept it or not after 6 months elapsed.

brownbabygirl

ChloeRadshaw wrote: »

Where is this thread please? I could not find ("please help with flat deposit")

lol me neither

GeorgeUK

Is this the thread you mean?
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=227606

M_Thomson

Can anyone answer my earlier question? Are Cheque Guarantee cards only valid when used by retailers? Can they be used by private individuals to guarantee cheques? Which is what the op did.

bengal-stripe

M_Thomson wrote: »

Are Cheque Guarantee cards only valid when used by retailers? Can they be used by private individuals to guarantee cheques? Which is what the op did.

Check Guarantee Cards can be used by private individuals, but only within the limitations of the card.

Most cards will guaranty cheques up to £100. If that amount is exceeded and there are no funds, the bank has no liability to honour the check (not even the £100); a cheque for £100.20 can bounce in its entirety. You are not allowed to make out a series of cheques (9 x £100). The number of the card has to be written onto the back by the payee, not by the buyer (that excludes cheques sent by post).

There is no way to pay £900 and safe-guarding payment with a Cheque Guarantee Card.

ChloeRadshaw

bengal-stripe wrote: »

If that amount is exceeded and there are no funds, the bank has no liability to honour the check (not even the £100); a cheque for £100.20 can bounce in its entirety. You are not allowed to make out a series of cheques (9 x £100). The number of the card has to be written onto the back by the payee, not by the buyer (that excludes cheques sent by post).
.

Have you got a link please?