Help! I've been sent a cheque!

bobblebob

If its a scam which im sure it is, id be more worried about how someone in Illinois has got my name and address

bumpoowee

MrCarrot wrote: »

The OP isn't expecting a cheque. The cheque could well be stolen, in which case I wouldn't be surprised if the bank reclaim the money later and say the OP banked a cheque which they weren't expecting and knew wasn't really for them.

Think this is an accurate definition of Fraud:

"fraud is an intentional deception "

I don't see any intent, is fair to assume a cheque made out to somebody is meant to be cashed in by them? I'm sure I've received cheques I wasn't expecting before, have I committed fraud?

At the end of the day it does sound dodgy but the OP certainly isn't a 'knowing party' to any fraud.

dzug1

OP may not be a knowing party to the fraud but investigations to establish that could be lengthy inconvenient and embarrassing

And having read this thread s/he might have cause to be suspicious - which puts things a little nearer 'knowing party' status.

RobertoMoir

bumpoowee wrote: »

Read my post again. Read the link from the BBA:

"You are protected from any loss if the cheque subsequently bounces, unless you are a knowing party to a fraud."

Once again - you are protected from loss after 6 days unless you are a knowing party to fraud. The OP appears not to know of any fraud. If you disagree with myself and the BBA please can you post a source as I believe you are incorrect (and a Man Utd fan, who in general are well known for talking rubbish - no offence!).

I think any reasonable person could be expected to understand that a totally unsolicited cheque from a total stranger with no explanation attatched to it is to say the least a little less than 100% kosher.

And the advice here to sneak it into a new account at a bank they've had no previous dealings with, while perfectly good sense to protect their account, kinda suggests that they know something about this cheque is suspect, does it not? If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck the bank and the police might just mistake it for a duck. I'm just saying.

DuckMatt

Pound wrote: »

No, don't bank the cheque, even to accrue interest. As soon as you pay it in you'll be in a world of crap with some Nigerian scammer asking for his money back and if it comes from a hijacked bank account you'll be in a universe of crap with the police.

Just run it through the shredder and you'll be much happier in the long run.

This sounds like the best bet to me

Blakey1982

i'd be worried these people have my name and address and if it was sent recorded and signed for then they'll have your signature (sorry cant remember if it was sent recorded).

Dont bank it but keep if for as long as possible - maybe a month. Then see if anyone has contacted you

zzzLazyDaisy

gemmaj wrote: »

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I have an appointment with my local police, fraud department, on Monday..

Great - let us know what they say.

I have to be honest, I'd be reluctant to simply shred or burn a cheque that has arrived in my name without first following all avenues, especially since a cheque cannot bounce after 6 days (thanks to the above poster for the link).

If the police investigate and OP subsequently banks it on their advice, she can hardly be accused of being party to a fraud if the cheque later turns out to be stolen or otherwise dodgy. Anyway, there will be an account number and name on the cheque so it should be simple enough for the police to check it out.

Let us know what happens OP

crispy_chris

However if you withdraw the money and it later turns out to be a stolen cheque just be prepared for the fallout of withdrawing against fraudulent funds and the marks it will leave on your credit record

MikeThomas

bobblebob wrote: »

If its a scam which im sure it is, id be more worried about how someone in Illinois has got my name and address

That's exactly what I was thinking

doobiesis_2

bumpoowee wrote: »

Think this is an accurate definition of Fraud:

"fraud is an intentional deception "


If she banks the cheque and spends it, that is INTENTIONAL if you ask me!