That may be how it works down under but in the states if you present a check you are on the hook for it if it turns out to be no good. You can go after the person who gave it to you but the bank you presented it to will look to you for the funds. The way to protect yourself is to leave the funds in your account until the check clears. If it bounces you are only out some fees.
Yes. See post # 30.
That would be a difference. I’ve never heard of such insurance here in the states. The writer of the check can be sued (by you) and prosecuted (by the state), and in some states is liable for treble damages. But it’s not always possible to nail the perpetrator, and if he’s overseas it’s essentially a lost cause. Either way, though, it’s the individual who accepts the check for payment who is liable for the funds, not the bank that accepts it for deposit.
I had a few ads on Craigslist at the same time once, and I got a number of e-mails saying something like “I’m very interested in what you’re selling, please call me.” In good faith I responded to one saying “I have a number of different ads, which one are you interested in?” and got another response along the very same lines.
The thing is, the ads were:
- a personal ad
- a “please come and take my giant TV away, it’s probably fixable” ad
- a “Free to a good home” ad for another (functioning) appliance that had been taking up space in my house
No money involved in any of them.
I am curious but not enough to call. Maybe once the weather gets cold I’ll be bored enough to do it.
When responding to Craigslist ads, I frequently give the seller my home phone # and invite them to contact me either by e-mail or phone. I get roughtly a 50/50 split of phone calls vs e-mail. For some people it’s just easier to make sale arrangements by phone. Perhaps they are not in the habit of checking their e-mail regularly.
The e-mail responses to sale ads I place that say “I am interested in your item” and do not mention, specifically, the 200 disk cd player I had listed, get trashed immediately.
I agree that your responses hit the “?” meter, but I’d probably give them a call. Or e-mail them back with a number where they can reach you if that’s what you prefer. You can always stop if things get fishier.
I’ve had scammers contact me about items, usually offering a cashier’s check. I now put a line in my ads that says “all checks must clear my bank, requiring approximately 15 days.” Seems to cut down on the number I get. I never answer emails that say “I will send you a cashier’s check, so please give me your name, address, and phone number.” Yeah, right.
I’d be curious enough to call from a pay phone. I know there are setups with dodgy phone exchanges that charge $9.99 a minute. I’ll look up a cite if someone insists.
But 50 cents from a pay phone would allow you to find out their angle. If you get a message to insert 10 bucks for the next minute or wanting a credit or calling card to complete the call then just hang up.
Heck I’m curious enough that I’ll send you the 50 cents myself. Just PM me your account information and I’ll get that transferred immediately. 