Certified Check Scam

The has been around for a long time but recently it is getting more common. The different means of the scam is also getting more diverse.

It used to be that a “certified check” was just like guranteed money. With the advent of computers it’s making fraudulent people generate what looks like an actual check but in reality it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on. There is also some companies that you can call and tell them to write a certified check on either a non existant account or an account someone has stolen the identity of another. Yes, it will have what looks like a bonified routing number and your bank might even accept it into your account.

Here is the problem. It might take one or two days for it to go through the banking cycle before your bank knows that the check was bogus. By that time you’ve already used the fraudulent money and the bank will demand you place the money back into your account.

Remember, just because you deposit a check into your banking account you are still responsible for making sure the money of the check is good. Checks are only “promissary notes” between the issuer of the check and the person receiving it. If the person writing the check did it fraudulently, you are still responsible for the amount of money the check was written for.

Don’t fall for the scam that someone from a foreign country wants you to be an “agent” for then here in the USA. They supposedly want you to collect their money receiving a certified check for them from a transaction or supposed customer. Then you are supposed to deposit this certified check into your personal banking account. Then you are supposed to keep your commission out of that money and send them the remainder by writing them a check from your account. Needless to say, the certified check is gogus but by the ime you have found out they have alrerady cashed your check and you are out all the money. Most of these scams like this are coming out of Nigeria or some African country.

The best way to receive money from a transaction on EBay or Craig’s List is to use Pay Pal or credit card. Of course cash is always welcome.

Remember, if it sounds too good, it usually is.

Posted on January 19th, 2010 at 08:09 by Alex Smith in Uncategorized - Comment (1)
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How To Be Safe Hiring A New Lawn Service

Yes the weather is getting better. We all are looking for warmer weather and getting our yards resued from the winter throws.

As you know, the economy is still not the best. Many are still losing their jobs and not finding work.

I formed a lawn service business six years ago and I have noticed that because of the down economy many are supplementing because of their lost jobs by cutting grass. I have been seeing more and more trailers being hauled behind cars and pick-up trucks with lawn equipment on them. I’m not putting someone down for doing so, but I have heard some real war stories of people hiring these down and out people to be their lawn care person only to find several things missing from their property or being charged for work not done.

My recommendation before hiring a stranger to have access to your property is to have them supply referrals of others they have worked for. Also, ask if they have insurance. If they get injured on your property you could be facing a law suit.

If they insist on being paid only in cash, be aware. Be sure you have an understanding of what services they are to perform and for what price. It is best if you have this agreement in writing so that there will be no missunderstanding of additional charges after the job is completed.

Ask if you might contact some of their other customers if you feel uncomfortable.

Some communities require lawn services of any kind to be licensed by the town or community. This can be some assurance of the validity of the person you are about to hire.

I’m looking forward to this summer and I hope all of you will have the best ever.

Posted on March 18th, 2010 at 18:11 by Alex Smith in Home Safety,Home Security,Identity theft,Lawn Equipment Safety,Lawn Tractor Safety,Uncategorized - Comments (5)
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10 Worst Places To Give Out Your Social Security Number

McAfee, a antivirus software company, just released a list of dangerous places to give out your Social Security Number. Many places might surprise you. The truth is your social security number is not supposed to be used for identification purposes. Unfortunately, many times you have to give out your number to receive services.

Here are the top 10:
1. Universities and colleges
2. Banking and financial institutions
3. Hospitals
4. State goverments

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Cash Back Checkout Counter Scam

Do you ALWAYS check your receipt before leaving the checkout counter? Well, you better start if you don’t.

The latest scam is being done right in front of you. The cashier will indicate that you want “cash Back” when totaling your purchases. Most often it will be in the amount of $20.00 or an amount near the total of all your purchases so as not to cause you to question the total.

It is done easily if you use a credit or debit card. One touch of a key and it goes right into the system immediately. If you don’t watch the moniter you will OK the transaction. Remember, most cash backs on credit or debit cards are subject for you to pay interest on the amount you receive or supposed to have received.

People are in such a hurry that they fail to look at their receipt before leaving the counter. Don’t be in such a hurry and let this happen to you.

Let the “buyer beware.”

Posted on December 1st, 2010 at 04:05 by Alex Smith in Traveling Information,Uncategorized,shopping security - Comments (0)
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Save Money Christmas Shopping

Some people are still paying for what they spent last year on Cristmas gifts. Using your credit card to put you deeper into debt is not a wise thing to do. This year if you can’t afford to pay cash for your gifts, then simply do not buy any.

My wife & I start buying a lot of gifts at the beginning of the year. Especially after the Christmas Holidays when most items are drastically reduced in price. So the first way is to buy early and throughout the year.

Before you buy anything determine who you are going to buy for and what item. Make a list and try to stick to it.

Many companys offer discount coupons on line. You can log on to their website and print out the coupon on your computer. Some companys sell products cheaper online. One place is GiftCardRescue.com or GiftCards.com.

Some companys even let you try to get a discount using a “chat or Live button” online.

Another way to save oney is to see if you can buy the item using discount codes. Try going to these sites to log on to find discount codes. ReatailMeNot.com, SecretPrices.com and Free Shipping.org. One way to stay organized is to put the money and any information about the gift into an envelope for each person you are going to buy for.

Don’t fall for any promotion a store will offer to give you a percentage off your gifts if you open one of their store credit cards. In the end the interest rate of the card will probably be much greater than the discount they are offering you.

Buy only the gifts you intened to buy before you started your day. Resist that great deal for something for your self. stick to your plan.

Posted on December 8th, 2010 at 08:14 by Alex Smith in Uncategorized - Comments (0)
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Water Bottle Bombs

The latest scarry post on U-Tube is how to make a “water bottle bomb.” It’s being demostrated by young kids. They are giving step by step instructions as to how to make these bombs.
Some of these bombs have been placed in people’s yards and mail boxes. About 30 seconds after you pick the inocent looking water bottle it can explode with enough force to cause serious bodily harm. All it takes is a few shakes or movement of the bottle to activate it. When it explodes the liquid that comes out is boiling hot that can cause blindness or serious burns.

The bombs are made out of household items. They either use baking soda and vinegar or drano and water with a small amount of foil. All it takes is for you to move it for it to explode.

You can verify this report by going to: http://snopes.com/crime/warnings/bottlebomb.asp.

Posted on January 11th, 2011 at 06:45 by Alex Smith in Home Safety,PERSONAL SAFETY,Uncategorized - Comments (0)
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Costly Telephone Scam

People have been getting calls supposedly representing AT&T Telephone Company. They are telling the person answering the phone they are conducting a test of the line. Then they ask the individual to press 90# to complete the test.

These calls are not from any telephone company. In fact, most are originating from prison lines.

By pressing 90# you are enabling the person calling you access to your telephone account. Now this person has free reign to make any call he wants anywhere in the world.

This scam has been confirmed by AT&T as well as verizon telephone company’s. If you get one of these calls do not press 90#. Hang up and contact your telephone supplier immediately.

Posted on February 6th, 2011 at 06:45 by Alex Smith in Cell Phone Information,Identity theft,Uncategorized,telephone safety - Comments (0)
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