I have 20 bad cashier's checks that I filed into my bad check folder. When I list a car, then contacted by a scammer, I lead them along and get their checks. Got one last week. I was listing a car with a bad engine for $500. The guy's secretary accidentally made out the check for $2500. If I send him the extra $1900, I can keep $100 for my trouble. (Gee thanks!).
I've been "screwing" these guys out of bad checks, being sent Overnight FedEx or UPS. One guy I had going for weeks, telling him that my wife ran off with her boyfriend after cashing his check. I told him to stop payment on it and send me another one. He started threatening me by saying that I was screwing him and he was going to go to the FBI. I calmed him down and said that I was looking for my wife and will try to get his money back. I later had him contact a previous Nigerian Scammer saying that this other guy told me that he was his shipper and I sent him the Western Union money. I saved many of the e-mails to document that one. Its great reading.
P.S. NEVER CALL THE PHONE NUMBER ON THE CHECK, IT IS BOGUS TOO! Look up the bank yourself with Google or directory assistance.
KIDDING ASIDE...
When I bought my Chally Vert on ebay last October. I photo copied my cashier's check and faxed it to his bank. I also talked to the bank to verify that there was a car. The ebay seller agreed to not require a deposit since my wife and I was worried that there wasn't really a car when I first called him. He said come to Texas, look at it, If I don't buy it, others wanted it. We did the deal in the bank with a bank rep handling the notary and paperwork. Never bring cash and never go to meet someone to sell your car by yourself or in an unsafe area. I have a friend whose friend went to sell his Mercedes. It was the second time this guy saw it so he decided to meet him again to close the deal and left with the title and car. They found his murdered body a few days later and his car on a used car lot.
There was a story a few months back, in MCG, about a father and son. They answered an ad for an inherited Hemi car that was for sale cheap. "Bring cash", the guy says. Long story short.... they are lucky to still be alive.
here are some pics. Remember, SHELBY was my DOG.
Be Careful,
Rob