Possible scam but not sure how!

motorguy

making_endsmeet wrote: »

OK thanks for the advice.

I'll call the bank tomorrow and won't be refunding anything or sending any goods until the bank confirm whether the money has fully cleared or if it is indeed fake/scam.

Thanks

It can take several weeks for the money to clear fully. Do their email addresses correspond fully with the company you're dealing with. Just because they've provided an address and a company name doesnt mean you're dealing with that company.

I would personally avoid getting involved at all. You will be put under pressure almost immediately to refund the difference and I dont think your bank will give you any absolute guarantees.

IF they were legit, why wouldnt they simply redraft the payment? Its not a biggie for any organisation.

Definitely avoid.

motorguy

Any deal whereby they have your goods and £60K of your hard earned would make me very nervous.

making_endsmeet

The goods are specialist orthopaedic office chairs and they have said they will arrange shipping.

As it happens the goods aren't actually in stock at present so I won't be sending any goods out for a while even if the payment/order is genuine.

They have given a company name of:

FINANCIAL HOME(SECURITY COMPANY)
Mezzanine
Airport Road next to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Abu Dhabi

Googled the above but nothing seems to show.

I spoke to the bank earlier just so they are aware of what may be happening. I will also call the number the person (in Abu Dhabi) has given me just to try and get some further info.

As I said, at present no money has hit the account so will wait and see.

Thanks again for the comments.

ViolaLass

If they haven't paid yet, why haven't they amended the planned payment?

making_endsmeet

That's what I've asked him but they said they sent payment on Monday 16th - although I've not provided them with a Swift or IBAN no and when I spoke to my bank they seemed to think that without these it will probably not even make it to our account.

He has said that if payment does not show in out account tomorrow then he will attempt to cancel from his end.

Will wait and see what happens.

MikeyMacbeth

I'd be very leary of this - just stinks of an overpayment fraud / money laundering.

Don't let the fact they are collecting sway you - it could be being collected by an innocent thrid party company.

Why not contact https://www.actionfraud.police.uk and ask for their take on this? or if you have a payment gateway for e-commerce they may be able to offer advice.

making_endsmeet

I'm very suspicious of this - hence why I sought opinion on here.

I've spoken to our payment gateway provider but as potential payment is coming via bank transfer they have referred me to my actual bank.

Thanks for the link - I'll get in touch with them tomorrow.

gb12345

They aren't interested in the goods all they want is your 60k.

As paddyrg says, they will flash your account with the money, which will stay in the account just long enough for you to make the bank transfer back to them.

making_endsmeet

I'm hoping the payment won't even reach the account as they don't have a Swift or IBAN no. At least the bank is now aware that something may be happening and I'll also get onto that link and see what info is on there.

prowla

It sounds like the classic overpayment scam.

For £60 it sounds like the police should be interested.